What are the symptoms of celiac disease?

The symptoms of celiac disease vary from individual to individual.   Symptoms can occur in the digestive system or in other parts of the body.  Some of the digestive symptoms that occur can include the following:



 Digestive Symptoms
     Other Types of Symptoms
  • chronic diarrhea or constipation
  • unexplained weight loss or weight gain
  • abdominal cramping
  • recurring bloating, gas or distension
  • stomach or abdominal pain
  • vomiting
  • unexplained iron deficiency anemia
  • vitamin and mineral deficiencies
  • fatigue, lack of energy or weakness
  • bone or joint pain
  • arthritis
  • early onset of osteopenia or osteoporosis
  • depression or anxiety
  • tingly numbness in the hands and feet
  • seizures
  • itchy skin rash


Associated autoimmune disorders can occur with celiac disease.  It is important to recognize that having one or more of these symptoms does not mean a person has celiac disease because there are many other disorders that can include these symptoms. 

 

Sometimes people with celiac disease have no symptoms and yet develop long term complications.   This is one reason celiac disease can go undiagnosed for a long time.