Available evidence suggests that symptoms fall equally into two broad categories. In some cases, they can arise directly from the effects of gluten on the small intestine, such as diarrhoea or abdominal fullness, discomfort, pain and vomiting. The remainder, however, do not experience these specific symptoms to any marked degree. Instead, they complain of a more general malaise involving chronic fatigue, irritability, depression and perhaps, breathlessness. Inevitably, all coeliacs develop intolerances, or allergies, to several foods and chemicals. These allergies will, in turn, cause further symptoms and degeneration of health.
The severity of the illness, and the symptoms experienced, depend on how the small intestine has been affected. As already stated, the abnormality that characterizes the coeliac, is damage to the villi in the gut. Usually, this is more evident in the upper part of the small intestine: the part closest to the stomach. The concentration of gluten, being highest here, causes the greatest damage. As it passes down the small intestine, more and more becomes absorbed. Because little or no gluten remains at the lower end, this part of the gut is. usually fairly normal. However it is a matter of degree. The greater the damage along the intestine, the more severe will be both symptoms and illness.
The first signs of coeliac disease typically appear in infancy, after weaning and the introduction of cereals. Often the symptoms disappear in later childhood or adolescence, even though the disease continues to affect health and body. Inevitably, symptoms will reassert themselves between the ages of thirty and sixty in the form of adult coeliac disease. If there is any possibility that your child has this problem do not be fooled by a disappearance of symptoms. Rarely do people grow out of this illness and by the time it again reveals itself in adulthood, much damage to health and life may have occurred.
It is important to remember that the disease may present itself in either childhood or adulthood. If it does not appear until adulthood it simply means that the disease has remained undetected longer and, as a result, has caused more damage. Most coeliac disease begins in early infancy. When symptoms do manifest themselves in childhood, the following are typical:
The child does not develop as quickly as his siblings and fails to thrive.
Pale, malodorous and bulky stools are often passed. Abdominal bloating, which mayor may not be painful, is often experienced.
The child is pale, querulous and lacks stamina.
The child is plagued by respiratory ailments and other chronic symptoms.
Allergies to some foods, especially milk products, become apparent.
Diarrhoea - occurring often.
In adulthood, further symptoms would be:
Anemia - particularly during pregnancy. Bone pain - particularly in the lower legs.
Skin disorders such as dermatitis, herpetiformis (a skin disorder characterized by vesicles and papules which affects the feet and other parts of the body).
Allergies to a number of foods and chemicals. Chronic tiredness and irritability.
Poor health, in general, and lack of vitality.
Rapid deterioration of health after early middle age.