Part 2 Of 12 Part Series: Fatigue, Anemia, and Abnormal Bleeding Or Bruising In Undiagnosed Celiac Disease
This is the second in a series of posts discussing the variety of symptoms that can be caused by undiagnosed Celiac Disease (CD). In this post, factors in CD that contribute to fatigue, anemia, and abnormal bleeding or bruising will be discussed. In many with undiagnosed CD, the intestinal villi, responsible for absorbing nutrients, becomes damaged, creating a flattened mucosal surface (villus flattening) that is less able to absorb nutrients. Autoimmune reactions to ingested gluten cross-react with intestinal villi and create this damage. Various nutrient deficiencies can occur and this, along with inflammation and other factors, can lead to fatigue, anemia, and abnormal bleeding in CD (6,7,8,15).
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Part 1 of 12 Part Series: Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Undiagnosed Celiac Disease
This is the first in a series of posts discussing the variety of symptoms that can be caused by undiagnosed Celiac Disease (CD). While many gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are well recognized by the medical community, there are many extraintestinal symptoms that are not as widely recognized. The elusive nature of this disease may lead some to provide an incomplete diagnosis by only diagnosing the symptoms, such as anemia, gastric reflux, lactose intolerance, infertility, or ataxia (2,3,24). As well, CD is often misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (11). The list of possible incomplete diagnoses, misdiagnoses, and symptoms of CD is too extensive to include in just one post, which has led to the creation of this 12 part series. In this post, I’ll describe the various GI symptoms in undiagnosed CD.
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A 12 Part Series: The Elusive Symptoms of Celiac Disease/C(o)eliac Sprue/Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy/Non-Tropical Sprue
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
