Celiac disease (gluten intolerance) is an autoimmune disease that is triggered by eating gluten –a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. The triggered autoimmune response causes inflammation in the lining of the intestine and interferes with the absorption of calcium, iron, folate, and fat. The immune response can damage the intestinal lining over time and cause uncomfortable symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, and weight loss. Celiac disease affects around one percent of the population. If left untreated, unsuspecting sufferers can experience serious health consequences. There is not a cure for celiac disease. However, if you follow a disciplined diet plan that strictly adheres to eating foods without gluten then your symptoms can improve, and your intestines will heal.
Celiac disease can affect anyone at any age. The symptoms differ for children, teens, and adults:
Children
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal bloating
- Vomiting
- Problems with growth
- Poor appetite
- Failure to thrive (gain weight)
- Diarrhea (some blood in stools)
- Constipation
- Malnourishment
Teens. Teens usually experience the onset of this disease after a stressful event or trigger such as illness, injury, traumatic life event, or leaving home for school.
- Abdominal pain
- Problems with growth
- Late-onset of puberty
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Irritable moods
- Depression
- Bloating
- Itchy rash
- Mouth sores
Adults. Adults do not have severe problems with the digestive tract like children do. Only one-third of adults experience severe diarrhea.
- Anemia (lack of iron absorption)
- Bone pain
- Joint pain
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Osteoporosis
- Seizures
- Tingling of hands and feet
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Itchy skin rash
- Mouth sores