Celiac Disease

Celiac disease symptoms usually involve the intestines and digestive system, but they can also affect other parts of the body.Children and adults tend to have a different set of symptoms.
Symptoms in children –
Children with celiac disease can feel tired and irritable. They may also be smaller than normal and have delayed puberty. Other common symptoms include –
• weight loss
• vomiting
• abdominal bloating
• abdominal pain
• persistent diarrhoea or constipation
• pale, fatty, foul-smelling stools
Symptoms in adults –
Adults with celiac disease may experience digestive symptoms. In most cases, however, symptoms also affect other areas of the body. These symptoms may include-
• iron-deficiency anaemia
• joint pain and stiffness
• weak, brittle bones
• skin disorders
• seizures
• numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
• fatigue
• tooth discoloration or loss of enamel
• pale sores inside the mouth
• irregular menstrual periods
• infertility and miscarriage
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is another common symptom of celiac disease. DH is an intensely itchy skin rash made up of bumps and blisters. It may develop on the elbows, buttocks and knees. Those who do experience DH usually don’t have digestive symptoms.
Some people with celiac disease have no symptoms. However, they way still develop long-term complications as a result of their disease.
Causes-
Your genes combined with eating foods with gluten and other factors can contribute to celiac disease, but the precise cause is not known. Infant-feeding practices, gastrointestinal infections and gut bacteria might contribute,as well. Sometimes celiac disease becomes active after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth,viral infection or severe emotional stress.
Risk factors –
Celiac disease tends to be more common in people who have-
• A family member with celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Autoimmune thyroid disease
• Microscopic colitis
• Down syndrome or Turner syndrome
• Addison’s disease