Coeliac disease or Celiac Disease as it is known in other parts of the word is a multi system disorder that can effect a number of areas on the body and range in severity and intensity. People who have coeliac disease respond negatively to eating gluten, or coming into contact with gluten. The symptoms are different to that of an allergic reaction, where you might break out in a rash or have anaphylactic shock,
Coeliac Disease Symptoms may include:
- Stomach pain, cramping or bloating
- Diarrhea, wind or constipation
- Persistent or unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting
- Lethargy & Tiredness
- Sudden or unexpected weight loss (but not in all cases)
- mouth ulcers
- hair loss (alopecia)
- tooth enamel problems
- depression and moodyness
- liver abnormalities
- repeated miscarriages
- neurological (nerve) problems such as ataxia (loss of coordination, poor balance) and peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the hands and feet)
- skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis) chicken skin like spots and purple skin.
- Decreased nutrient absorption from food
- any combination of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency
In Children there are other symptoms to look out for as well.
How long can the symptoms last?
The reaction or symptoms can last anytime from a few hours to a few days, how ever the long term health consequences of not absorbing all of the vitamins and minerals from your food, due to damage to the villie in your intestines can effect the quality of your health long term
If you suspect you are celiac of gluten intolerant, the first step is to see a doctor and get diagnosed, and keep away from gluten.
Over to you…