Initially thought to affect only toddlers and young children, celiac disease has become extremely prevalent amongst all age groups today. Inability of the body’s intestines to accept gluten leads to gluten intolerance causing celiac disease.

Some people tend to battle celiac disease all their life. Others might develop celiac disease during early childhood but could overcome the symptoms as they grow. However, the symptoms might reappear any time during adulthood.

The small villi present in the intestines are responsible for producing different enzymes that aid in metabolism. They also absorb various nutrients. In celiac disease, these villi get damaged.

This results in decreased absorption of several nutrients, especially carbohydrates, proteins and fats. This reaction immediately causes numerous nutritional deficiencies, crippling the person’s growth and development considerably.

How To Spot Celiac Diseases Symptoms

Celiac disease symptoms vary greatly from one person to another. In some cases, the affected person may not experience any symptom whatsoever. Because celiac diseases are believed to be hereditary in nature, you can look out for the following symptoms if your family member has been diagnosed with the disease.

Edema

Excess accumulation of fluid in the body due to impaired protein metabolism can lead to edema. Swelling of hands, legs and extremities are commonly observed. In some cases, people fail to recognize the symptoms as edema and confuse them with signs of weight gain.

Lactose Intolerance

The villi in the intestines are responsible for releasing enzyme “lactase” that helps in breakdown and utilization of lactose in the body. When the villi are not able to function properly, there is decreased or no production of lactase, resulting in decreased or no utilization of lactose. This causes lactose intolerance, leading to several gastrointestinal problems in the affected individual.

Milk and milk products are predominant suppliers of lactose. When the body is not able to accept lactose, it will indirectly not accept milk or milk products. This will cause secondary diseases like calcium deficiency and osteoporosis amongst others.

Anemia

When the intestines are not able to absorb important minerals like iron, it will automatically lead to decreased iron stores in the body. This causes anemia, making the affected person feel weak and tired, reducing his/her work output considerably. Anemia also brings in a host of other health complications. Therefore, the affected person must take supplements to refill his/her iron stores.

Excessive Bleeding

Failure to absorb vitamin K leads to interference in the process of blood clotting. The cell membrane and linings will not be strong enough to cope with a simple bruise, cut or injury. This will cause excessive bleeding, leading to unwanted blood loss.

Nerve Damage

Inability to absorb vitamin B12 damages the nerve extremities in the body. This will cause numbness and tingling sensation in the extremities like fingers, toes, etc.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Celiac diseases cause several gastrointestinal problems in the body. Constant episodes of diarrhea are generally experienced by many. Since fat absorption is hampered, fat molecules get excreted via feces leading to a condition called steatorrhea. Abdominal pain and excessive flatulence are also observed.

Reduced Growth In Children And Infants

Decreased absorption of several nutrients automatically affects growth and development in young children and babies. Stunted growth, failure to thrive, muscle wasting and irritability are also noticed.

The aforementioned signs could be a case of celiac disease that requires prompt and quick diagnosis.