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Digestive Diseases

Symptoms and Risk Factors of Celiac Disease

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Some individuals with celiac disease have no symptoms, while others do.

Symptoms of celiac disease resemble those of other diseases, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), so check with your physician if you experience any or some of them. Research at NewYork-Presbyterian shows that 5% of patients with IBS have celiac disease.

"Direct Symptoms" of Celiac Disease

The classic symptom of celiac disease, diarrhea, is seen in only about 50% of adults with CD. In addition to diarrhea, other gastrointestinal symptoms may include constipation and pale, foul-smelling stool, recurring gas, bloating, or abdominal pain. Some patients experience unexpected weight loss or gain.

"Indirect Symptoms" of Celiac Disease

Other symptoms and complications reflect the impact of celiac disease on many organs and tissues other than the gastrointestinal tract. They include anemia, bone or joint pain, vitamin K deficiency, canker sores inside the mouth, missed menstrual periods, infertility, miscarriage, fatigue or weakness, tooth discoloration or loss of enamel, depression, irritability, headaches, tingling or numbness (neuropathy), seizures, and itchy skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis, or DH; only 20% of patients with DH have any gastrointestinal symptoms).

Infants and children may have delayed growth, with or without gastrointestinal symptoms, irritability, and juvenile arthritis, among others.

Celiac Disease and Other Diseases

Patients with celiac disease may also have other autoimmune disorders, including type 1 diabetes, Sjogren's syndrome, thyroid disease, liver disease (primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, and certain elevated liver enzymes), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Individuals with Turner syndrome, Down syndrome, intestinal cancer, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, migraines, and osteoporosis may also have CD.

Risk Factors for Celiac Disease

Having a first-degree family member with celiac disease raises one's risk for this condition.

Researchers have found that in some cases, undiagnosed celiac disease may become active or be triggered by surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection, and severe emotional stress.