The clinical picture of coeliac disease has changed over recent years and symptoms are now known to be extremely diverse.
Typical symptoms of coeliac disease include altered bowel habit, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain and bloating, nausea and faltering growth (in children). However, a range of additional symptoms or medical complications may also indicate the presence of the disease – including; iron deficiency anaemia, osteoporosis, amenorrhoea, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, unexplained infertility, neurological disturbances, thyroid and liver diseases.
Presenting features
Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Flatulence
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Extraintestinal symptoms
- Anaemia (iron, vitamin B12, folic acid)
- Anorexia
- Weight loss
- Short stature/growth failure
- Irritability (children)
- Alopecia
- Osteoporosis and tooth enamel defects
- Recurrent aphthous stomatitis
- Amenorrhoea
- Fertility disorders
- Abnormal liver biochemistry
- Chronic fatigue
Reference
- NICE Guideline NG20: Recognition, Assessment & Management of Coeliac Disease. National Institute of Clinical Excellence 2015.