The vast majority of individuals with celiac disease have little in the way of gastrointestinal symptoms or have symptoms that may receive a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. While the classical symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss and edema, other patients may present with constipation, anemia, bone pain or bone loss, chronic fatigue, skin problems, abnormal liver chemistries, dental enamel defects and neurological symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy, ataxia or seizures.

Many people suffer from headaches, mouth ulcers, weight gain or weight loss, poor immunity to disease, and skin problems like dermatitis and eczema. But the common and well-known Gluten intolerance symptoms are gastro-intestinal (diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating etc.). Also associated are miscarriage and infertility and malabsorption problems like anaemia. See similar questions...

Celiac Disease (CD) is a lifelong digestive disorder, found in individuals who are genetically susceptible, that results in damage to the small intestine by interfering with the absorption of nutrients. Celiac Disease is unique in that a specific food component, gluten, has been identified as the culprit. Gluten is the common name for the offending proteins in specific cereal grains that are harmful to persons with CD. See similar questions...

Originally considered a rare disease of childhood, celiac disease is now recognized as a common condition that may be diagnosed at any age. Recent studies have revealed an estimated average worldwide prevalence of 1 in 266 and a prevalence of 1 in 133 in the United States. This establishes celiac disease as one of the most common genetically based diseases that physicians will encounter. Because of lack of awareness, celiac disease is still vastly under diagnosed in the U.S. See similar questions...

The gold standard for diagnosis is the small intestinal biopsy, done during a procedure called endoscopy. The diagnosis is based on finding a series of abnormalities in an intestinal biopsy (increased inflammation and villous atrophy) that return toward normal on a gluten-free diet. As a follow up biopsy is not always necessary or performed, the combination of an abnormal biopsy and improvement of symptoms after gluten is eliminated from the diet is enough to establish the diagnosis. See similar questions...

There is currently no treatment for celiac disease apart from a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. A number of studies are underway at Columbia University and other research centers examining the mechanisms by which gluten causes damage to the intestine. It is only through research into the way that the immune system causes the intestinal damage that innovative therapies, apart from a gluten-free diet, will be devised. See similar questions...

Celiac support groups can provide essential information and support for individuals as they learn how to navigate the maze of eating, shopping for and living gluten-free while trying to maintain a normal lifestyle. Locate a support group in your area by contacting national celiac disease organizations or checking listings on the internet. There are also internet discussion groups, mailing lists, and forums that focus on celiac disease. See similar questions...

Untreated celiac disease can be life-threatening. Celiacs are more likely to be afflicted with problems relating to malabsorption, including osteoporosis, tooth enamel defects, central and peripheral nervous system disease, pancreatic disease, internal hemorrhaging, organ disorders (gall bladder, liver, and spleen), and gynecological disorders (like amenorrhea and spontaneous abortions). Fertility may also be affected. See similar questions...

There is no prescriptive drug celiacs can take to effect a cure. In fact, there is no cure, though there is every opportunity for celiacs to lead normal, healthy lives by following a diet that contains no gluten. This means avoiding all products derived from wheat, rye, barley, oats, and a few other lesser-known grains. See similar questions...

Of the many immune related disorders linked with the celiac condition, the best established connection is with Type I diabetes (mellitus). Type I diabetes occurs at a rate of about 0.5% in the general population, but at a rate estimated at 5-10% among celiacs. Normally the diabetes is diagnosed first, both because this form of diabetes tends to strike early in life and its diagnosis is certain. See similar questions...

If you have stress incontinence, you may leak a small to medium amount of urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, exercise, or do similar things. If you have urge incontinence, you may feel a sudden urge to urinate and the need to urinate often. With this type of bladder control problem, you may leak a larger amount of urine that can soak your clothes or run down your legs. See similar questions...