Symptoms and complications of celiac disease

Celiac disease is a chronic immune system condition that is triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals.

Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, such as wheat, barley and rye. When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, his or her immune system reacts and causes damage to the lining of the small intestine, making it difficult to absorb nutrients.

Celiac disease can affect people of any age and gender. One of the most common symptoms of celiac disease is chronic diarrhea, which may be accompanied by flatulence, abdominal pain and bloating. These symptoms are caused by inflammation in the small intestine and malabsorption of nutrients, which can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiency.

Other possible manifestations of celiac disease include constipation, weight loss, malnutrition, bone loss, fatigue and muscle weakness. In some cases, people with celiac disease may also experience mood changes, such as anxiety, depression and trouble concentrating.

In addition to digestive and nutritional symptoms, celiac disease can manifest itself in a variety of ways in other organs and body systems. For example, some people with celiac disease may have skin lesions such as dermatitis herpetiformis, an itchy, blistering rash that appears on elbows, knees and buttocks.

There may also be nervous system involvement, with symptoms such as headache, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, or even seizures. Rarely, celiac disease can cause problems in the liver, such as autoimmune hepatitis, or in the reproductive system, such as infertility and recurrent miscarriages.

It is important to note that not all people with celiac disease have obvious symptoms. In fact, in some cases the disease may be asymptomatic or have very mild and non-specific symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose. However, even in these situations, continued exposure to gluten can cause damage to the small intestine and increase the risk of long-term complications, such as osteoporosis and bowel cancer.