Top 10 Oddest Celiac Disease Symptoms
Today the term Gluten Free is more common than ever before. It's in large print on food containers all over the globe and even considered a fad for some. Celiac Disease in an autoimmune disorder that attacks the small intestine if you are to consume products containing gluten. Gluten, the protein found in wheat, is what gives wheat its elastic
properties. This is a hereditary condition that is treated with a gluten-free diet.
“Despite what you might see in popular media, celiac disease is not a fad,” she said. “It is not a punchline. Americans are dying because we haven’t paid sufficient attention to this disease.” -Celiac Disease Foundation CEO, Maryilyn G. Geller
Celiac Disease is diagnosed using two blood tests: serology and genetic testing. In short, it can only be diagnosed through laboratory testing. If you're afraid of needles, just look away and count to ten. In order to have an accurate diagnosis, the patient must have gluten in their system at the time of testing. Although that seems dangerous, if there is no gluten in the patients' system the patient could be misdiagnosed. It is uncommon for doctors to advise of all possible symptoms of Celiac during a diagnosis, as there are over 200. In fact, some of those symptoms are what some may consider... odd. With that in mind, let's take a look at 10 of the oddest symptoms of Celiac disease.
10. Damage to dental enamel:
If you are a celiac patient looking for a perfect smile, you may want to consider the possibility of dentures. Don't worry, nowadays you can choose your own look for them! Issues such as tooth discoloration -- white, yellow or brown spots located on your teeth -- translucent-looking teeth, poor enamel formation or pitting of teeth can all stem from celiac disease. This is a particularly common, and odd, symptom of celiac that can be spotted by dentists quickly. These dental problems are permanent. Even if you begin a gluten-free diet, the damage will already be done. To try to combat these issues, dentists may apply bonding, veneers or other solutions to cover the defects. At some point, the damage may become too extensive to cover with cosmetic solutions and you may be presented with the choice of partials or dentures.
9. Infertility:
Women who have but have not yet been diagnosed with celiac disease can gain unexplained fertility issues. Similar to other symptoms you will see today, the cause of this is unclear. Adding this concerning symptom to our top 10 list. The way this issue could arise comes from the hindrance that celiac places on the small intestine. With possible deficiencies of folic acid zinc and selenium, which are all important nutrients that aid with reproduction. Also, men may also be at risk of infertility if they have celiac disease that has yet to be diagnosed. This is not studied as much as one would assume. It is always safe to gain laboratory tests for celiac disease if you are running into fertility complications, males and females alike.
8. Flatulence:
Large amounts of gas can be an indicator if issues with your digestive system. One of the most common symptoms related to celiac disease is gas, if you've consumed gluten that is. No, this does not mean that if you fart while reading this article that you should run off to get tested. However, if this is a consistent issue, it's worth getting it checked out. Celiac disease damages the villi in your digestive system which makes it difficult for your body to digest food properly. Giving you frequent and rather foul-smelling flatulence. If you find yourself in this predicament, there are many beautiful fragrances available today in the perfume department.
7. Obesity:
Individuals normally associate weight loss with celiac disease, which is what sets this ailment as number 7 of our odd symptoms. Even though it is more commonly seen that these patients have a significant reduction in weight, there are also possibilities where some may be more at risk of cardiovascular disease. A study was done recording data that included 258 individuals in a population-controlled area. Through that study, it was concluded that individuals with celiac disease are more at risk for cardiovascular disease. Fun fact, smokers (or any tobacco product users) and having a lower Body mass index (BMI) can also be contributors to that conclusion.
6. Irritability
Irritability is a common symptom in celiac, but that doesn't make it any less odd. Ranking number six on our odd symptoms list due to the unknowns. For someone who has not yet been diagnosed, Vitamin B 12 deficiencies may be the cause of this symptom. The reason for this is that Vitamin B12 is often malabsorbed in patients not treated for celiac disease. As frustrating as that may sound, it could possibly be the cause of your loved one's drastic mood changes. Who knew? Symptoms of irritability can form just hours after exposure to gluten or could linger for several days.
5. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD):
This symptom seems odd, but the explanation is more so. ADHD is a symptom of celiac disease. But if you follow a gluten-free diet, your symptoms of ADHD can be reduced. Probably the most odd explanation we have ever heard. One disease will generate this disorder, but following the treatment will reduce symptoms of that disorder. A study done by the National Library of Medicine to observe if a gluten-free diet could in fact reduce symptoms of ADHD. The findings indicated that out of 67 individuals, 10 were diagnosed with celiac disease. Of those 10 individuals, they or their parents indicated a large improvement to their ailment. Today it is suggested that celiac disease be placed on ADHDs symptoms list and ADHD be placed on the symptoms list for celiac disease. Very odd indeed.
4. Anxiety
Once a diagnosis is gained, celiac patients can generate a large number of stresses leading to anxiety issues. Although a diagnosis can provide relief to some, it also can generate a large amount of stress to others which develops symptoms of anxiety. With being told that they now will have to maintain a strict gluten-free diet to avoid complications. These symptoms develop more often within women and individuals that run into challenges managing their disease. This is understandable, waking up one day being able to eat anything you wish and going to bed that same day with all of these restrictions is stressful. Even more stressful, is the constant worry of cross-contamination possibilities. This could be at your home, a relative's home or more commonly within restaurants.
3. Short Stature:
This disease can give the impression that the diagnosed derived from munchkin land. This particular symptom is connected to adolescents with the disease. This means that the child's height compared to weight is less than what would otherwise show for another child of similar age. Although there are other possible reasons for short stature within children, you should not rule out the possibility of celiac disease. As of today, there is still no confirmed reasoning to the cause of celiac disease-associated short stature. It is suggested that this could stem from malnutrition. If it is confirmed that a child's short stature is derived from celiac disease, treatment of a gluten-free diet will allow the child to start gaining their height back. Weird, right?
2. Thin Hair:
Having celiac disease means I can't have hair like Liberace? Shucks, this just keeps getting worse and worse. Sadly, it's true folks. Celiac is associated with an autoimmune disorder called alopecia areata. This disorder can provide an individual with abnormal hair loss. This can start in patches or all over your head. If you are diagnosed with alopecia areata your doctor will suggest that you also be tested for celiac dieses (or vice versa). The reason for this is that it is highly common that both ailments be connected, even though the connection between the two has not yet been confirmed. This does not mean that you will 100% have alopecia areata if you are diagnosed with celiac disease, it is just a possibility. Many celiac patients are cleared of the additional disorder.
1. White spots on nails:
Okay, this one has to be a joke right? How can white spots on your nails be considered a symptom of celiac disease? Those are usually created by bending or hitting your nail, right? My thoughts exactly. Which is the very reason this odd symptom ranks #1 on our list. When you have celiac disease these spots can form due to a deficiency of zinc and calcium. Although, we wouldn't recommend running off to the Gastroenterologist just yet. Although this symptom can possibly be connected to celiac disease, it can also be caused by fungal infections or allergic reactions to nail products.