A 12 Part Series: The Elusive Symptoms of Celiac Disease/C(o)eliac Sprue/Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy/Non-Tropical Sprue

April 29, 2009 · Filed Under 12 Part Series: CD Symptoms 

Celiac Disease (CD) is a permanent autoimmune condition. In response to gluten, the immune system’s effect on multiple systems of the body can lead to many typical, atypical, and silent or vague symptoms that can be confusing and sometimes lead medical professionals to mistakenly diagnose individuals with an incorrect or incomplete diagnosis. In this 12 part series, I’ll discuss the symptoms of undiagnosed CD, with the hope that this information will increase the rate of diagnosis for those suffering and lead to a better quality of life.

Outline of 12 Part Series

Each post will cover a variety of symptoms associated with each physiological system. The 11th post will outline associated diseases that increase one’s risk of having CD, and the final 12th post will be a simplified summary of all the symptoms.

Part 1: Gastrointestinal  Symptoms

Part 2: Fatigue, Anemia And Bleeding Symptoms

Part 3: Sensory Symptoms

Part 4: Skin, Hair, and Nail Symptoms

Part 5: Musculoskeletal Symptoms

Part 6: Reproductive Symptoms

Part 7: Urological Symptoms

Part 8: Neurological Symptoms

Part 9: Psychological Symptoms

Part 10: Respiratory and Cardiac Symptoms

Part 11: Diseases Associated with Celiac Disease

Part 12: Simplified Summary of All Celiac Disease Symptoms.

The presence of any of the symptoms discussed in the posts indicates that you should talk to your MD about tests for CD and tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. Testing for CD is important because undiagnosed CD increases the risk of developing other autoimmune diseases (1), cancers (2), allergies, complications from malabsorption issues, possible decreased immune response to other illnesses(3), and many other health complications that will be discussed in the posts about CD symptoms.

It is possible to have a gluten sensitivity even if you test negative for CD. It is also possible that your symptoms could be due to a food allergy or sensitivity. Allergy testing and an elimination diet may help you to identify the offending food. I encourage everyone to have their symptoms thoroughly investigated by their MD and specialists before implementing a therapeutic diet. Keep your MD informed about any dietary changes you are making and also the results. Of course, I would love to hear your story as well.

Diagnosed Celiacs and People With Food Allergies/Sensitivities-Please comment on your symptoms  and experiences at the end of each post. This will help other readers to see how the sometimes elusive symptoms of CD or food sensitivities can affect each of us. We are all unique!

References

1. Ventura A. Coeliac Disease And Autoimmunity. In Lohiniemi S, Collin P, Maki M, eds. Changing features of Coeliac Disease. Tampere: The Finnish Coeliac Society. 1998:67-72

2. Corrao G, Corazza GR, Bagnardi V, Brusco G, Ciacci C, Cottone M et al. Mortality in Patients With Coeliac Disease And Their Relatives: A Cohort Study. Lancet 2001;358:356-61

3. Feldman Mark, MD, Friedman Lawrence S, MD, Sleisenger, Marvin H, MD, Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management 7th Edition, Volume11, 2002,Saunders

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Comments

One Response to “A 12 Part Series: The Elusive Symptoms of Celiac Disease/C(o)eliac Sprue/Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy/Non-Tropical Sprue”

  1. William Beverly on April 30th, 2009 4:13 pm

    Hi — Thanks for doing this! We need more expertise and info such as this. I am putting a link to your lecture on my sites at http://www.glutenfreesimplicity.wordpress.com and http://www.gluten-freesimplicity.com .
    Keep up the good work!
    wb

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