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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are the signs and symptoms of coeliac disease?

    Related Topic
    Coeliac Disease & Gluten Intolerance
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    Thanks

    Prof Andrew Day

    Paediatrician

    Coeliac disease can present with numerous symptoms at the same time in some people, whilst others have just one or two symptoms. Some people even have no symptoms at all, but still have Coeliac disease and still need the same management (see other Questions regarding management).

    In the past it was felt that Coeliac disease only presented in toddlers and young children with features of poor absorption of food. These symptoms include diarrhoea, pain, poor weight gains (or loss), pot-belly, anaemia and irritability. Although these symptoms can still be seen now-days, they are much less common than they were.

    Some people can have one or more abdominal symptom (e.g. pain, diarrhoea, constipation, poor weight). Others can have one or more non-abdominal symptoms (such as tiredness, seizures, difficulty concentrating, infertility, thin bones and many others). And as mentioned, some people can be diagnosed without any symptoms at all.

    This wide spectrum of the pattern of symptoms of this condition is now increasingly recognised around the world. It also means that more people need to think about the possibility of Coeliac disease for themselves (and doctors need to think very widely also). The lack of diarrhoea or the absence of adbo pains does not mean that Coeliac disease is ruled out.

    In addition, it is also clear that many groups of people are at increased risk of developing Coeliac disease. One big group is the family members of someone diagnosed with Coeliac disease - Coeliac disease is ten times more likely in these people. Other high risk groups include people with type one diabetes, people with Down syndrome and many more.

    If in any doubt it is important to get it checked out. Initially with some blood tests and then with a confirmatory small bowel biopsy. And it is important to do this BEFORE changing your diet (i.e. important to get checked out properly before taking gluten-containing foods out of the diet).


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  • Julie Markoska

    Dietitian, Nutritionist

    I am a Sydney based Accredited Nutritionist and Accredited Practising Dietitian recognised by the Dietitians Association of Australia.I have a Bachelor of Science majoring in … View Profile

    The intestinal damage caused by gluten affects the absorbtion of nutrients and can lead to various symptoms and nutritional deficiencies, most commonly folic acid and iron deficiency.The most common symptoms of Coeliac Disease in adults include:

    • - Anaemia
    • - Bloating and flatulence
    • - Diarrhoea or constipation
    • - Nausea and vomiting
    • - Fatigue, tiredness, weakness and lethargy
    • - Stomach cramps
    • - Weight loss

    Some of the above symptoms may be confused for symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); therefore, proper testing and diagnosis of Coeliac Disease is essential.Children with Coeliac Disease experience similar symptoms to those of adults, with the most common symptoms in children being:
    • - Chronic anaemia
    • - Abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence
    • - Foul-smelling bowel motions
    • - Diarrhoea or constipation
    • - Nausea and vomiting
    • - Poor weight gain
    • - Weight loss
    • - Delayed growth / Failure to Thrive
    • - Delayed puberty
    • - Tiredness and irritability

    Some people with Coeliac Disease have no symptoms at all. However, even if you have no symptoms, if you have been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease  damage to the small bowel can still occur if gluten is eaten.

    Julie Markoska
    Accredited Practising Dietitian & Nutritionist
    http://www.juliemarkoska.com.au/

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