What are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease?

The symptoms of wheat allergies, gluten intolerance, or Celiac Disease can vary widely and can come and go over time. Most commonly, an infant with Celiac Disease could experience abdominal pain, diarrhea (with some blood) and an inability to gain weight.

A young child could experience abdominal pain along with nausea, anemia, become anorexic, or get mouth ulcers.

An older child could act irritably, worrisome, emotionally despondent or excessively dependent, along with the other symptoms previously listed.

In later stages, a child could develop malnutrition, with or without vomiting and diarrhea. Many children develop a bloated stomach and stringy, thin thigh muscles as well.

Teenagers may fail to grow properly or have a delayed onset of puberty. They may also lose some hair.

Adults often become very tired, irritable, depressed, and have bone pain. Diarrhea and bloating may also be present, along with dental problems. Osteoporosis may occur due to a lack of calcium caused by malabsorption. A majority of Celiacs also are lactose intolerant, which often goes away once they adhere to a gluten-free diet for a few weeks.

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