Celiac disease Causes and Symptoms: Know More

Causes:

The cause of the celiac disease is not known. It is attributed to some hereditary factors and is found to be more common in people with type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, Sjogren's syndrome, and microscopic colitis. It is precipitated by ingestion of gluten found in some grains. Gluten is changed into a chemical by an enzyme called transglutaminase which flattens out or destroys the villi (small hair-like structures lining the small intestine) which in turn gives rise to mal- absorption of other nutrients. This mal-absorption of nutrients can lead to damage of other organs of our body.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of celiac disease can vary, making the diagnosis difficult. It can lead to diarrhoea in few, constipation in others, whereas in some, it might not have any effect on their stool pattern. Symptoms also vary in children and adults.

Symptoms in children include:

• Feeling fatigued and irritable.
• Weight loss.
• Abdominal pain and bloating.
• Diarrhoea or constipation with foul-smelling stools.
• Smaller stature due to stunted growth.
• Delayed puberty.

Symptoms in Adults include:

• Joint pain and stiffness.
• Brittle bones.
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
• Irregular menstrual periods.
• Infertility and miscarriage.
• Skin disorders and sores inside the mouth.
• Tooth discoloration.

Some people with celiac disease might not exhibit any of these symptoms but still might develop long-term complications due to the intestinal damage.