Lately I have been doing a lot of joking about Celiac Disease and the Gluten Free Diet. Anybody that has a complaint-I usually tell them that going gluten free will save their life. It's a little bit sarcastic. Ok a lot sarcastic. I say it because going gluten free didn't really change anything in my life.
But I remember when I first was told I might have it. Being a dietitian I was totally flustered. I knew what I was in for, but I wasn't ready for it. I spent every night in bed with my lap top researching what my test results meant, how an EGD is performed and looking at statistics. I came across a website that DARED to list all the symptoms and other diseases associated with Celiac Disease. It's not funny. Not at all.
But since I'm still not accepting that I really have it-I use humor to cover it up...sorta. (I think most people can see right through me). Many books will list the classic 10 symptoms and then go on to describe how people can have 1 symptom, no symptoms or 32 symptoms. Yes 32. That means there are more than 32 symptoms or diseases associated with celiac disease.
Try 300.
Look for it...just try. Look for YOUR symptom. I'm laughing now. If you complain about any of these symptoms-you should just go gluten free. (I'm seriously joking).
But this is a real list from a website (not a book because that would be a boring book.). I'm not going to let myself start worrying about everything on this list, like if I will have a down syndrome baby or if I will develop some weird cancer or difficulty concentrating....
Of note: I do see a lot of symptoms that I had/have. Balding, overly self critical, psoriasis, increased appetite, chronic fatigue, having a baby with IUGR.... but no matter how hard I looked there just was no connection to being flat chested and having celiac disease. DARN (i'm being sarcastic again).
Here is the list of over 300 Signs, Symptoms, Associated Disorders and Complications directly or indirectly resulting from celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
We were the first to present this information in our comprehensive celiac disease reference,
“Recognizing Celiac Disease.” This list is now being used by celiac disease centers, national celiac organizations and health organizations worldwide.
Abnormal levels of blood components and quality of blood cells and plasma, detected by blood studies ordered by a doctor.
- Anemia, Folic acid
- Anemia, Iron
- Anemia, Vitamin B12
- Anti-Endomysium Antibodies (EMA)
- Anti-Gliadin Antibodies (AGA)
- Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies (tTG)
- Associated Autoimmune Antibodies
- Bone Alkaline Phosphatase Enzyme, Elevated
- Calcium, Low
- Cholesterol, Low (below 156)
- Coagulation Factors, Low
- Copper, Low
- Hemochromatosis
- Glucose, Low or elevated
- Homocysteine, Elevated
- Hyperprolactinemia (elevated prolactin hormone)
- Hypoprothrombinemia
- Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
- Liver Enzymes, Elevated
- Macroamylasemia
- Macrocytosis
- Macrolipasemia
- Magnesium, Low
- Neutropenia
- Phosphorus, Low
- Plasma Proteins, Low
- Potassium, Low
- Prolonged Prothrombin Time
- Transient Erythroblastopenia
- Zinc, Low
Disorders of the body as a whole.
- Anorexia (Poor appetite)
- Appetite, Increased
- Cachexia (Wasting of the body)
- Loss of Vitality
- Obesity
- Weight Gain, Unexplained
- Weight Loss, Unexplained
Disorders of the heart and blood vessels.
- Angina Pectoris
- Aortic Vasculitis
- Atherosclerosis
- Cardiomegaly
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Easy Bruising (Ecchymosis)
- Hypertension
- Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Nosebleeds, Unexplained
The following symptoms in this section may be present alone or in any combination in celiac disease. They result from inflammation, damage,and interference with normal function caused by gluten exposure in the digestive tract itself and/or nutritional deficiencies. As you see, problems can develop not only in the small intestine where inflammation can be intense, but also in other areas such as mucosal tissues of the mouth, esophagus, stomach and colon.
- Abdominal Distention (Bloating)
- Abdominal Pain
- Adenocarcinoma of the Small Intestine
- Aphthous Ulcers (Canker sores in mouth)
- Autoimmune Cholangitis
- Beta Casein Enteropathy (Cow’s dairy intolerance similar to celiac disease)
- Bleeding, Unexplained
- Cancer of the Esophagus
- Cancer of the Pharynx
- Candida Infections
- Carbohydrate Malabsorption
- Cheilosis (Red lips, cracking/ oozing at corners of mouth)
- Colitis, Collagenous
- Colitis, Lymphocytic
- Colitis, Ulcerative
- Colonic Volvulus (Loop of intestine twists causing strangulation of intestine)
- Constipation
- Constipation Alternating with Diarrhea
- Crohn’s Disease
- Defective Tooth Enamel (Yellow, white spots, missing enamel)
- Delayed Gastric Emptying (Early fullness after eating)
- Diarrhea, acute (Also called celiac crisis)
- Diarrhea, chronic
- Duodenal Erosions in the Second Part of Duodenum (Small ulcers)
- Dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing)
- Edema of Small Intestinal Lining
- Esophageal Small Cell Cancer
- Esophageal Motor Abnormalities (Poor muscle activity/coordination)
- Gas
- Gastric Ulcer (Stomach ulcers)
- Gastric Ulcerations
- Gastritis, Collagenous
- Gastritis, Lymphocytic
- Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Gastro-Intestinal Occult Bleeding (Blood in stool that is not visible to naked eye)
- Gluten Sensitive Enteritis
- Gums bleeding/ swollen (Purplish in adults/ red in children)
- Heartburn
- H. Pylori Bacter (Infection of the stomach)
- Impaired Gall Bladder Motility
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Jejunitis, chronic
- Lactose Intolerance (Gas, bloating, loose stools from milk)
- Laryngospasm
- Leaky Gut Syndrome
- Lymphoma
- Malabsorption of Nutrients
- Maltose Intolerance (Gas, bloating, loose stools from maltose, a simple carbohydrate)
- Nausea
- Oral Mucosal Lesions (Mouth lesions)
- Plummer-Vinson Syndrome
- Post-cricoid Cancer
- Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (Bile backs up in liver)
- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (Scarring of bile ducts in liver)
- Small Bowel Intussusception (One loop of intestine slips into another)
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
- Steatorrhea (Pale, smelly, floating stool hard to flush or sticks to toilet)
- Sucrose Intolerance (Gas, bloating, mucous in stool from sugar)
- Tongue (Beefy, red, smooth, burning)
- Tongue (Fiery red, smooth, swollen, sore)
- Tongue (Magenta, swollen)
- Tongue (Pale, smooth, burning)
- Vomiting
Disorders of the glands.
- Addison’s Disease (Adrenal gland failure)
- Autoimmune Hepatitis
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hypothyroidism)
- Diabetes Mellitus Type I
- Diabetic Instability
- Gastro-Intestinal Complications of Type 1 Diabetes
- Grave’s Disease (Hyperthyroidism)
- Hepatic Granulomatous Disease
- Idiopathic Hypoparathyroidism
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- Pancreatic Insufficiency
- Parathyroid Carcinoma
- Primary Hyperparathyroidism
- Secondary Hypoparathyroidism
Disorders of antibody production.
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome
- Asthma
- Autoimmune Disorders in Celiac Disease
- Autoimmune Disorders in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
- Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndromes
- Common Variable Immunodeficiency
- Food Allergies, IgE and non-IgE Immune Responses
- IgA Deficiency
- Sarcoidosis
- Sjögrens Syndrome
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Urticaria, chronic (Hives)
Disorders of skin, hair, and nails.
- Alopecia Areata (Patches of hair loss)
- Alopecia, Diffuse (Balding)
- Cutaneous Vasculitis
- Cutis Laxa
- Dermatitis Herpetiformis
- Dermatomyositis
- Eczema
- Edema (Swelling)
- Eythema Elevatum Diutinum
- Erythema Nodosum
- Follicular Hyperkeratosis (Dry rough skin/ plugged hair follicles on body)
- Ichthyosis, Acquired
- Itchy Skin Rash
- Hangnail
- Koilonychia (Thin nails that flatten, ends progressively turning up instead of down)
- Melanoma
- Nails, Dry and brittle that chip, peel, crack or break easily
- Nails with Horizontal and Vertical Ridges/Fragile
- Nail with Rounded and Curved Down Ends, Dark, Dry
- Nails with White Spots
- Nails with Splinter Hemorrhages
- Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris
- Prurigo Nodularis (Hyde’s Prurigo)
- Psoriasis
- Scleroderma
- Seborrhea
- Thin hair
- Vitiligo
Disorders of the lymphocytes (white blood cells), lymph nodes and spleen.
- B-cell non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Cryptic Intestinal T-cell Lymphoma (Refractory Sprue)
- Enteropathy Associated T-cell Lymphoma (EATL)
- Extraintestinal Lymphomas
- Intraepithelial Lymphocytosis in Small Bowel Samples
- Lymphadenopathy
- Mesenteric Lymph Node Cavitation
- Hyposplenism (Atrophy of spleen)
Disorders of muscle structure and function.
- Hypokalemic Rhabdomyolysis (Acute, severe potassium deficiency)
- Muscle Pain and Tenderness
- Muscle Spasm and Cramps
- Muscle Wasting
- Muscle Weakness
- Osteomalacic Myopathy
- Polymyositis
- Tetany
Disorders of nerves, brain and spinal cord structure and function.
- Anxiety
- Apathy
- Ataxia, Gait Disturbance
- Ataxia, Gluten
- Ataxia, Progressive Myoclonic
- Brain Atrophy
- Cerebral Perfusion Abnormalities (Poor blood flow)
- Chonic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chorea
- Cortical Calcifying Angiomatosis
- Dementia
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Fatigue/ Lassitude
- Headache
- Inability to Concentrate
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Nervous System Disorders
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
- Schizophrenic Spectrum Disorders
- Tremors
- Vasculitis of the Central Nervous System
Disorders of lung tissue and broncheal tree structure and function.
- Bronchiectasis
- Bronchial Pneumonia
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis
- Increased Pulmonary Permeability
- Increased Susceptibility to Tuberculosis
- Lung Cavities or Abcess
- Non-Response to Tuberculosis Treatment
- Pneumococcal Septicemia
Disorders of sense organ structure and function.
- Bitot’s Spots (Foamy patches on whites of eye)
- Blepharitis
- Bloodshot Eyes
- Blurred Vision
- Cataracts
- Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
- Keratomalacia
- Nightblindness
- Ocular Myopathy
- Smell, Loss of
- Taste, Loss of
- Uveitis, Bilateral
- Xerophthalmia
Disorders of bone, joints and teeth.
- Bone Fracture
- Bone Pain
- Enteropathic Arthritis
- Osteitis Fibrosa
- Osteomalacia
- Osteonecrosis
- Osteoporosis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Recurrent Monoarthritis
Disorders of kidneys and urinaty tract structure and function.
- Hypocalciuria
- IgA Nephropathy
- Kidney Stones
- Urinary Tract Infection
Disorders of organ structure and function.
- Amenorrhea (Absence of menstrual period)
- Early Menopause
- Infertility
- Late Menarche (Late start of menstrual periods)
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Dysmenorrhea (Painful menstrual periods)
- Dyspareunia (Painful intercourse)
- Vaginitis
Disorders of organ structure and function.
- Hypogonadism
- Impotence
- Infertility
- Sperm Abnormalities
Disorders of childbearing.
- Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy
- Short Duration of Breast Feeding
- Miscarriage
- Complications During Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery
- Complications After Childbirth
Disorders of chromosomes.
- Down Syndrome
- Turner’s Syndrome
Disorders of that occur before birth of the child.
- Congenital Anomalies
- Intrauterine Growth Retardation
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Spina Bifida
Disorders of children that occur after birth.
- Autism and Learning Disorders
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
- Cancer Predisposition in Children
- Chronic Bullous Dermatosis
- Delayed Puberty in Boys
- Delayed Puberty in Girls
- Dermatitis Herpetiformis
- Developmental Delay
- Failure to Thrive and Growth Retardation
- Fecal Occult Blood (Blood found in stool that is not visible to the naked eye)
- Glycogenic Acanthosis
- Hypotonia
- Juvenile Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
- Juvenile Diabetes Type 1
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Abnormal Blood Studies
- Latent Anemia in Enzymopathies of Small Intestine (Lack of enzymes produced by villi)
- Penicilllin V Impaired Absorption
- Refractory Anemia (Unresponsive to iron therapy)
- Osteopenia
- Rickets
- Short Staure
- Stroke in Childhood
Here are some other ways to look at various symptoms :
- Aloofness
- Hyperactivity
- Irritability (Common in children with celiac disease)
- Impatience
- Lack of Desire to Get Things Done
- Lack of Feeling
- Restlessness
- Timid Behavior
- Violent Behavior
- Anxiety
- Apathy
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Difficulty Making Friendships
- Easy Frustration and Anger
- Nervousness
- Panic Attacks
- Sense of Worthlessness
- Overly Self-critical
- Hysteria
- Hypochondria
- Confused/ Faulty Thinking
- Confabulation
- Delusions
- Dementia
- Disorientation
- Faulty Learning
- Hallucination
- Inattentiveness
- Loss of Memory
- Loss of Immediate Memory
- Poor Memory
- Reduced Learning
- Slow Thinking
- Scattered Thinking
