Some Info to Consider

I thought I would share some additional information on Celiac disease with you because it is so much more common than people think and it's symptoms are so often similar to other things.  Also, if anyone in your family (especially immediate family) has been diagnosed, it really is important to be tested.  I am going to be speaking with Brian's pediatrician on his next visit about getting him tested.  It is better to know early before so much damage has been done.  Because of my mom's diagnosis, I have a less chance of developing the severe damage that she has.


I got this list of symptoms verbatim from the Celiac Foundation website www.celiac.org


Celiac Disease can appear at any time in a person’s life. In adults, the disease can be triggered for the first time after surgery, viral infection, severe emotional stress, pregnancy or childbirth. CD is a multi-system, multi-symptom disorder. Symptoms vary and are not always gastrointestinal (GI). GI symptoms can often mimic other bowel disorders. Infants, toddlers and young children with CD may often exhibit growth failure, vomiting, bloated abdomen, behavioral changes and failure to thrive.

CLASSIC SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE
* Abdominal cramping, intestinal gas
* Distention and bloating of the stomach
* Chronic diarrhea or constipation (or both)
* Steatorrhea – fatty stools
* Anemia – unexplained, due to folic acid, B12 or iron deficiency (or all)
* Unexplained weight loss with large appetite or weight gain

OTHER SYMPTOMS
* Dental enamel defects
* Osteopenia, osteoporosis
* Bone or joint pain
* Fatigue, weakness and lack of energy
* Infertility – male/female
* Depression
* Mouth ulcers
* Delayed puberty
* Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
* Migraine headaches

SOME LONG-TERM CONDITIONS THAT CAN RESULT FROM UNTREATED CD
* Iron deficiency anemia
* Early onset osteoporosis or osteopenia
* Vitamin K deficiency associated with risk for hemorrhaging
* Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
* Central and peripheral nervous system disorders - usually due to unsuspected nutrient deficiencies
* Pancreatic insufficiency
* Intestinal lymphomas and other GI cancers (malignancies)
* Gall bladder malfunction
* Neurological manifestations

I had about 10 of the chronic symptoms on a regular basis, but even if you have just a few and they have been long term it would be worth mentioning to your doctor.