Symptoms of celiac disease

The term "celiac" or coeliac is of Greek origin and means "of or in the cavity of the abdomen." The condition known as celiac disease was so named because many of the cardinal symptoms and effects of the disorder are related to the gastrointestinal tract. However, the full range of symptoms of celiac disease are varied and may occur at any time in the life of an individual who is genetically predisposed to the disorder. A significant number of people show no clinical symptoms, but are still incurring intestinal damage. Some symptoms include:

• diarrhea
• intestinal bloating or "pot belly"
• intestinal gas
• steatorrhea (fatty, floating and voluminous stools)
• fatigue
• weakness
• lack of energy
• bone or joint pain
• depression or irritability
• dental enamel defects
• anemia
• folate deficiency
• osteopenia and osteoporosis (bone mineral loss)
• infertility problems in women
• failure to thrive in children
• vomiting
• weight loss or wasting

Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is a related skin condition characterized by blistering, itchy rashes on the back, legs, buttocks, and arms. Between 60 and 80 percent of those who suffer from DH also incur damage to the intestinal villi.