Celiac disease doesn’t always show up at the same time in everyone - it can manifest in kids as well as adults. Tricky thing is, the symptoms can also be different at different life stages. So how do you know? Here’s a handy guide to some of the most common Celiac symptoms.
If you feel that you or someone you know might have Celiac, remember: Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean Celiac disease. Celiac disease symptoms are pretty similar to other conditions like lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, or even anemia. Sometimes you may not even show any symptoms. Be sure to get tested by your doctor to be certain!
Celiac Symptoms In Children
Flickr user Allerina & Glen MacLarty
The inability to process gluten causes digestive issues across the board, but they’re most commonly seen when Celiac disease develops in kids. Symptoms like bloating, chronic diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting are red flags.
Children with Celiac disease can also present with non-digestive related issues like fatigue, irritability, weight loss, and even ADHD, since they can’t absorb the nutrients they need for proper development when the digestive issues kick in.
Celiac Symptoms In Adults
Flickr user wallygrom
Digestive problems in adults are less common, although they can still happen. Adults are more likely to present with symptoms like these (depression or anxiety, weight loss, fatigue) as well as other physical symptoms like seizures, joint pain, osteoporosis and headaches. Adults with Celiac disease can also develop dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy bumps and blisters on the skin, often misdiagnosed as eczema) even when no other symptoms are present.
The Bottom Line
Unfortunately there’s no surefire set of symptoms that always indicates Celiac disease: Some people will present with certain symptoms and others with different ones, but both may still have Celiac. The prolonged effects of exposure to gluten when you have Celiac can have serious health repercussions, so don’t ignore suspicious symptoms!
What are some other Celiac symptoms that you or someone you know has experienced? Tell us in the comments below!
