Coeliac Disease – Symptoms

The severity of symptoms of coeliac disease is extremely variable. Listed below are some of the symptoms which may occur singularly or in combination:

Fatigue, weakness and lethargy
Anaemia
Flatulence and abdominal distention
Diarrhoea – can be quite severe but may not necessarily be obvious
Constipation – can be experienced rather than diarrhoea although many people do not experience either and some experience both
Cramping and bloating
Nausea and vomiting
Weight loss – although many do not lose weight and some can even gain weight

Less Common in Adults

Easy bruising of the skin
Recurrent mouth ulcers and/or swelling of mouth or tongue
Miscarriages and infertility
Low calcium levels
Vitamin deficiencies
Skin rashes such as dermatitis herpetiformis
Dental defects
Altered mental alertness
Bone and joint pains

Common in Children

Abdominal distention, pain and flatulence
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhoea or constipation
Large, bulky, foul stools (steatorrhea)
Poor weight gain
Weight loss in older children
Delayed growth or delayed puberty
Tiredness
Anaemia
Irritability

Some symptoms may be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or wheat intolerance, while others may be put down to stress, or getting older.

Many people with coeliac disease are 'asymptomatic', that is they have no gastrointestinal symptoms at all.