Celiac disease is a lifelong autoimmune reaction to gluten. Its presentation varies widely — from classical malabsorption to “hidden” extraintestinal signs.
Classical form (with malabsorption)
Adults: chronic diarrhea, weight loss, iron-deficiency anemia, abdominal distension/bloating, malaise and weakness, edema (hypoproteinemia), osteoporosis.
Children: failure to thrive, weight loss and growth retardation, vomiting, chronic diarrhea, bloating, iron-deficiency anemia, loss of muscle mass, edema, irritability and low mood.
Non-classical form — extraintestinal & associated manifestations
- GI: abdominal distension, abdominal pain, celiac crisis (cholera-like), dyspepsia, early satiety, anorexia, chronic constipation (children).
- General: chronic fatigue, lack of energy.
- Neurological / psychiatric: chronic migraine, peripheral neuropathy, depression and anxiety, mood swings and irritability.
- Skin: rash, psoriasis, blisters.
- Liver: unexplained chronic hypertransaminasemia.
- Bone: reduced bone density, osteoporosis.
- Blood & deficiencies: iron-deficiency anemia, folate deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Reproductive: unexplained infertility; delayed puberty, late menarche / early menopause; unexplained miscarriage, preterm delivery, or a small-for-gestational-age newborn.
- Teeth: dental enamel defects.
Asymptomatic form. Up to ~50% of newly diagnosed cases have no complaints despite characteristic intestinal changes; these are often found through screening.
This is educational information, not a diagnosis. If you suspect celiac disease, see a physician and do not remove gluten from your diet before testing — it will distort the test results.
Source: World Gastroenterology Organisation Global Guidelines, Celiac Disease, 2016, sections 4.1–4.3.
Sources
- EN (оригинал): https://www.worldgastroenterology.org/UserFiles/file/guidelines/celiac-disease-english-2016.pdf
- EN (страница руководства): https://www.worldgastroenterology.org/guidelines/celiac-disease/celiac-disease-english
- RU (издание 2016): «Целиакия», Всемирная гастроэнтерологическая организация