do YOU suffer from Celiac Disease? (check your symptoms here!)

I know I've written a few times about living with Celiac Disease, but I haven't really used this blog to explore the symptoms and events leading up to my diagnosis. When I first heard that the average Celiac patient takes anywhere from six to ten years to get a correct diagnosis, I couldn't believe it. Knowing what I do now, though, I can trace several of my symptoms back to my teen years.

So why does it take so long?

Well, honestly, there isn't one simple answer to this question. One factor is that Celiac is a relatively new disease as far as impacting a large percentage of people, and researchers are still studying it and its effects. Another factor is that Celiac often resembles (or goes hand in hand with) other diseases, like IBS and Crohn's. The biggest factor is that the symptoms that go along with Celiac Disease differ from person to person and are not solely digestive in nature.

This is the fact that most people are surprised about. Who would have thought that Celiac, a mere food allergy, could cause systemic damage to the human body? Well, the truth is, Celiac is not just a food allergy or intolerance. It's an auto-immune disease that actually causes the body to attack itself when gluten is ingested. As with other auto-immune diseases, the symptoms can impact every body system. Here are several symptoms caused by Celiac Disease, broken down by system. Keep in mind that some symptoms affect more than one system.

Some of these symptoms are more common than others, and this list is not all-encompassing by any means. I have put an asterisk next to the symptoms I suffered with prior to my diagnosis, just to give you a reference as to how many could be at play simultaneously. Most of these symptoms come back when I accidentally ingest gluten in some form, and last anywhere from one to six weeks. (Symptoms were gathered from the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, Celiac Disease Headquarters, Celiac Support Association, Recognizing Celiac Disease, Coeliac UK, and other sources. I have also included a few info-graphics at the bottom for quick reference.)

**Keep in mind that this is not a medical blog and I have no medical background. If you find that you have several of these symptoms, I would suggest doing some more research and contacting your doctor for testing.**


Circulatory/Cardiovascular System (circulates blood and nutrients throughout the body)
Anemia*
Angina
Arterial plaque
Asthma*
Blood pressure changes
Blood vessel inflammation
Fainting
Heart palpitations*
Nosebleeds


Digestive System (digests and processes food)
Abdominal Pain*
Acid Reflux*
Bad breath
Bloating
Constipation*
Diarrhea*
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)*
Food intolerance*
Gallstones*
Gas*
Gastric ulcers
GERD*
Heartburn*
Hemorrhoids*
Lactose intolerance*
Leaky gut
Low blood sugar
Malabsorption leading to weight gain or weight loss*
Mouth sores
Mouth ulcers
Nausea*
Swollen gums*
Tongue Sores
Tooth and gum pain*
Tooth enamel erosion*
Vitamin deficiency*
Vomiting*


Endocrine System (regulates glands and hormone production)
Blood sugar changes
Dry mouth*
Hormone imbalances*
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Weight fluctuations (seemingly unrelated to food)*


Immune System/Lymphatic Systems (transport and defense system against disease)
Anemia*
Asthma*
Auto-immune disorders
Fatty Liver Syndrome (non-alcoholic)*
Food Allergies*
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
IgA Deficiency
Lymphoma
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rhinitis
Weakened/Sensitive immune system*


Integumentary System (consists of skin, hair, and nails)
Acne*
Brittle nails*
Bruising*
Dandruff
Dermatitis Herpetiformus  (DH)*
Dry skin*
Edema
Exzema
Flaky skin/lips*
Hair loss
Hangnails*
Hives*
Ingrown toenails*
Nail fungus
Peeling lips*
Peeling nails
Rashes*
Skin cancer
Swelling*


Muscular System (works with several other systems to permit movement, maintain posture, and circulate blood)
Ataxia
Leg (and other muscular) cramps*
Muscle pain*
Muscle spasms*
Swelling*
Tongue Sores
Weakness*


Nervous System (transmits signals throughout your body)
ADD
ADHD
Anxiety*
Apathy*
Ataxia
Autism
Blood pressure changes
Brain fog*
Chills*
Constant need to fidget*
Depression*
Dizziness*
Dry or watery eyes*
Fatigue*
Hot/cold flashes*
Insomnia*
Irrational anger/irritability*
Learning disorders
Listlessness*
Memory loss*
Migraine*
Narcolepsy
Nerve pain*
Night Sweats*
Nocturia (waking several times at night to use the restroom)*
OCD*
Panic attacks*
Restlessness*
Seizures
Sleep disorders*
Suicidal thoughts
Tinnitus/ringing in the ears*
Vertigo
Weakness*


Reproductive System - Female (involved in the production of hormones and gametes for reproduction)
Amenorrhea (sporadic or infrequent menstrual periods)*
Anemia during pregnancy
Childbirth complications
Delayed puberty*
Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual periods)*
Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
Early menopause
Fertility issues*
Infertility
Long-lasting Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms*
Miscarriages
Ovarian Cysts*
Painful periods*
Swollen cervix*


Respiratory System (involves the intake of breath and converting oxygen to carbon dioxide)
Asthma*
Bronchial Pneumonia*
Bronchitus*
Sinus pressure*


Skeletal System (provides structural support and protection)
Arthritis*
Bone fractures
Brittle bones
Joint pain*
Joint stiffness*
Joint swelling*
Osteoporosis
Tooth and gum pain*
Tooth enamel erosion*


Urinary System (balances fluids in the body and the process of excretion of such fluids)
Bladder infections*
IgA Nephropathy
Kidney Stones
Urinary tract infections

Info-graphic courtesy of Schar Gluten Free

Info-graphic courtesy of Gluten Dude