What are the symptoms that indicate that a person is celiac

The Celiac Disease is permanent intolerance to the gluten of wheat, barley, rye and probably oats, which is presented as a genetic predisposition. It manifests as an inflammatory, immune-based reaction in the mucosa of the small intestine. The celiac disease Atrophies the villi of the small intestine, altering or decreasing the absorption of nutrients from food.

It can be suffered by both children and adults, and it is very common that people have been celiac for a long time without knowing it, because their symptoms can be mild for years or confused with those of other conditions.

Diagnosing the celiac disease It is important to be able to eliminate from the diet those foods that cause intolerance and to be able to recover the quality of life of a person without the disease. If you are not feeling well and suspect that you are celiac, you should go to the doctor and tell him about this concern so that he can carry out the diagnostic studies, which consist of preliminary blood tests and a confirmatory biopsy.

According to the Argentine Celiac Association, the only treatment is a strict diet for life Without TACC (wheat, oats, barley and rye), but nevertheless, "the celiac is not a patient, but a person with a certain condition".

The celiac diet should not be started without the corresponding diagnosis, since, for those who do tolerate these foods, it may be a poor diet.

Celiac disease symptoms manifest themselves differently at each stage of life. The Federation of celiac associations of Spain and the Celiac Association Argentina agree that the symptoms are as follows:

Symptoms of celiac disease in children

Chronic diarrhea

Frequent diarrhea is a clear sign of malabsorption syndrome. It is important to always find out its causes, because it means that the body is not getting the nutrients it needs.

Vomiting

When a child vomits frequently without apparent cause, it can be a symptom of celiac disease.

Abdominal distension

It can be noted that the abdomen is frequently swollen.

Lack of muscle mass and stunted growth

Given this situation that worries parents a lot when their young children do not gain weight or increase in height, it is important to rule out celiac disease as a cause.

Dry skin and hair

These organs immediately show a lack of nutrients and are good messengers that health is not doing well in general.

Alterations in the color of the teeth

Celiac disease can cause alterations in the dental enamel, since it produces decalcification.

Loss of appetite, irritability and bad temper

Changes in character may be associated with celiac disease. A child who does not feel well can express it in different ways and it is important to be aware of what they mean by their behavior. The same goes for when a child doesn't want to eat: you don't just have to challenge him. It may be that you somehow understand that some foods are being wrong.

Other pathologies

The Federation of celiac associations of Spain and the Celiac Association Argentina They point out that celiac disease and pathologies such as autism, dyslexia or hyperactivity may be related. When they occur along with other symptoms, that should be taken into account.

Symptoms of celiac disease in adolescents

Abdominal pain and constipation

Like children, celiac adolescents frequently experience abdominal discomfort. Just as celiac children tend to have frequent diarrhea, in adolescents it can manifest in this way or the opposite, that is, as constipation.

Lack of encouragement

Decay, rejection of sports activity and discouragement in general, when accompanied by other symptoms, can be signs of celiac disease and the nutritional deficiencies it causes.

Pubertal delay

Celiac disease has delayed development in adolescents, delayed menarche and menstrual cycles without any other apparent cause.

Small size

Being small does not have to be a symptom of a disease, but many celiacs are small in height and height compared to their parents and siblings.

Recurrent sores and canker sores

A symptom of celiac disease is angular cheilitis, which is the inflammation at the corner of the lips normally known as the mouth. They can also be canker sores.

Headaches

Nutrient deficiencies, especially at this stage of growth, can cause frequent headaches (headaches), often associated with anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia

Intestinal malabsorption leads to anemia and all symptoms of this condition can occur.

Symptoms of celiac disease in adults

Diarrhea

This symptom can occur in people of all ages.

Bone problems

The sustained nutritional deficiency over time results in celiac adults suffering from osteoporosis, fractures and arthritis.

Problems having children

Celiac women can suffer spontaneous abortions and infertility, and their children can be born underweight. Men can experience infertility or sexual impotence.

Anemia

Celiac disease also causes anemia and associated symptoms, such as hair loss, in adults.

Early menopause

Just as celiac disease causes delayed development in young women, it can accelerate menopause in adult women.

General weakness

This condition is called asthenia and is characterized by continuous and general tiredness or exhaustion.

Irritable colon

The malfunction of the intestine leads to irritable colon and all its symptoms and consequences.

Other diseases

In the long term, untreated celiac sufferers may experience epilepsy, peripheral neuropathy, depression, and digestive cancer.

Important: It should be clarified that Bioguía does not give medical advice or prescribe the use of techniques as a form of treatment for physical or mental problems without the advice of a doctor, either directly or indirectly. In the case of applying for this purpose any information on this site, Bioguía does not assume responsibility for those acts. The intention of the site is only to offer information of a general nature to help in the search for personal growth and development.