Zeroing in on 5 Symptoms of Celiac Disease
The term "gluten free" has become fairly common over the last handful of years, and yet it is still somewhat misunderstood. Many think a gluten free diet is connected with healthy eating, which actually is not the case for everyone. Gluten can only negatively impact a person's health if they have been diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten-intolerance.
Gluten is typically found in wheat, barley, and rye. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that involves inflammation and damage to the small intestine when a person eats gluten. If untreated, it can negatively impact your brain, nervous system, bones, liver, and other organs. This disease is estimated to affect one in 100 people worldwide, but only one in 4,700 receive an accurate diagnosis. There are currently no known cures or effective treatments for celiac disease — the healthiest way to mange it is through preventative measures such as changing your diet.
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of celiac disease to watch out for:
Digestive Issues: This can include bloating, weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, pale stool, and pain.
Anemia: This can occur when celiac disease damages the nutrient-absorbing villi in the small intestine, preventing the absorption of adequate amount of iron. While being anemic does not automatically mean you are gluten-intolerant, it is a symptom that should not be overlooked.
Skin Rash: Dermatitis herpitiformis (DH) is a skin manifestation of celiac disease that is genetic and not contagious. This rash may present as small lumps and sometimes fluid-filled blisters, and usually occurs on your elbows, knees, and buttock. When the rash heals, it can leave pale areas where pigmentation was lost.
Numbness or tingling: Nearly 10 percent of people with celiac disease experience some type of neurological conditions, including numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
Osteoporosis: Due to the lack of nutrient absorption in the small intestine, your body may not receive the calcium that is essential for building and maintaining healthy bones. If left untreated osteoporosis can cause bones to weaken and become brittle.
Other symptoms of celiac disease include damage to dental enamel, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, acid reflux, and heartburn.
If you think you have celiac disease or a gluten-sensitivity, Amwell providers can support you. During an online visit, you can learn about gluten substitutes and which foods are best for you to eat.