Coeliac Disease & ME/CFS

Symptoms

Coeliac Disease affects different people in different ways; not every Coeliac will have the same symptoms. On top of that, the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. That makes getting to a diagnosis harder as you and your doctor may assume it's something else entirely.

Symptoms, in adults, include: severe weight loss; nutrient deficiency, notably a lack of iron [anemia]; joint pain; fatigue and weakness; abdominal pain; abnormal bowel movements, notably oily stools [steatorrhe]; sores in the mouth; dental enamel defects; depression; behavioural changes.

In children, Coeliac Disease is often diagnosed between nine months and three years as cereals are introduced to their diet. The child will lose or fail to gain weight, lose their appetite and suffer from excessive vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation. Their stools will be paler, softer and bowel movements more frequent.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will run a blood test and then suggest you have a small intestine biopsy. The blood test checks for antibodies produced by the immune system and the biopsy indicates damage to the intestine itself. Only then will your doctor recommend a gluten-free diet as the tests don't work if you're already gluten free.

Related Conditions

Coeliacs may also suffer: other food sensitivites, notably lactose [diary products]; dermatitis herpetiformis [skin problems]; diabetes; osteoporosis; anemia.