Symptoms of Celiac Disease

The symptoms of Celiac Disease are so varied that it is often said there is no such thing as a "typical celiac." Over 200 symptoms have been identified. Not all people have the same symptoms, and some people have none. Even if a person has no symptoms, the small intestine is still being damaged. The severity and number of symptoms depends on how long the person has had the disorder, how long it has gone undiagnosed and the amount of damage that has occurred. (Back to Learn about Celiac Disease)

Common Symptoms in Children

Behavioral changes
Bloated abdomen, may or may not be painful
Bulky, pale, offensive smelling stools
Delayed and/or stunted growth
Diarrhea, may be foamy
Failure to thrive (inability to grow and put on weight)
Inability to concentrate
Irritability
Paleness
Severe Rash on the head, elbows, knees and buttocks from dermatitis herpetiformis
Vomiting

Common Symptoms in Adults

Acidosis
Abdominal pain
Aphthous ulcers
Arthritis
Behavioral changes
Bloating Bulky, pale, offensive smelling stools
Burning sensations in the throat
Canker sores (pale sores inside the mouth)
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Constipation
Cramping
Dementia
Depression
Diarrhea
Easily fractured bones
Edema
Fatigue, lack of energy
Fatty stools that float (steatorrhea)
Fuzzy-mindedness after consuming gluten
Gas

Headaches
Infertility
Irritable Bowl Syndrome
Malnutrition
Miscarriages
Missed menstrual periods
Muscle cramps
Night Blindness
Osteopenia
Osteoporosis
Painful joints or bones
Painful skin rash, called dermatitis herpetiformis
Seizures or convulsions resulting from malabsorption of folic acid
Tingling or numbness in fingers, toes or legs
Tooth discoloration
Tooth Enamel Loss
Unexplained Anemia
Vitamin Deficiencies and resulting conditions
Weakness
Weight gain, unexplained
Weight loss, with or without large appetite
White flecks on the fingernails