Celiac disease is when the body can’t digest gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, diarrhea and weight loss.
Symptoms
Celiac disease is brought on by gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale that causes your body’s immune system to attack the lining of your small intestine. As a result, your intestines are damaged and can’t absorb nutrients from your food.
The damage can lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating. Other symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and skin problems, like dermatitis herpetiformis, an itchy, blistering rash that usually appears on your elbows, knees, buttocks, scalp, or back.
People with celiac disease may also develop nutrient deficiencies, including iron-deficiency anemia. It is because damage to your intestines prevents you from absorbing essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12 and iron.
Diarrhea
One of the most typical signs of celiac disease is diarrhea. It is caused by the body’s inability to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).
People with celiac disease often have diarrhea, especially after consuming foods that contain gluten, such as wheat, barley, rye and triticale. They can also have stools that are greasy, foul-smelling and frothy.
Another common symptom is fatigue. The digestive process can be slow and laborious in people with celiac disease, so that they can become fatigued.
Fortunately, most people with celiac disease can stop their symptoms and feel better once they cut gluten. Gastroenterology Of The Rockies doctors can help you about getting tested for celiac disease and how to deal with it if you experience a lot of stomachaches, diarrhea, weight loss, or any other symptoms.
Vomiting
Occasionally, people with celiac disease may experience vomiting. It happens when the body’s natural response to an irritant is to rid itself of it.
The contents of your stomach are expelled through your esophagus and into your mouth when you vomit. Sometimes blood (haematemesis) is thrown up as well.
In severe cases, vomiting can cause dehydration and lack of essential nutrients. Drinking clear liquids that contain electrolytes can help restore lost fluid and nutrient levels.
Fatigue can also be a symptom of frequent vomiting. If you feel tired and drained of energy, seeking medical attention is essential.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can be caused by various issues, from gas to severe diseases like appendicitis or peptic ulcer. Your healthcare provider will try to determine the cause of your abdominal pain based on your symptom history and physical exam and may order tests.
Lower abdominal pain, usually felt below the level of your belly button, is generally caused by a problem with your bowel. It can be excruciating; if you have it all the time, it is a sign of a severe illness.
Upper abdominal pain can be confined to one area of your abdomen or can spread from the left upper quadrant to the right upper quadrant and is often caused by problems in the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts. The pain is often sharp and achy. It can be accompanied by bloating and nausea.
Weight Loss
Many people with celiac disease lose weight because the intestines are damaged, affecting the absorption of nutrients. It can lead to nutrient deficiencies and anemia.
Another symptom is fatigue, which is common in celiac patients and can be challenging to manage. It can lead to a decreased ability to get energy from food and make sleeping hard.
Celiac disease damages the small intestine’s lining, preventing it from absorbing specific proteins (called gluten), carbohydrates, fats and vitamins and minerals. It results in bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss symptoms.
