I remember the frustration of not knowing what was wrong with me. The constant bloating, the fatigue that no amount of sleep could fix, and the nagging feeling that my body just wasn’t functioning the way it should. Like so many others with celiac disease, I went years without answers, brushing off symptoms and being misdiagnosed. It wasn’t until I finally got tested that everything started to make sense.
If you’re here, you might be wondering if celiac disease could be the cause of your symptoms too. You’re not alone. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide, yet so many people go undiagnosed (and also misdiagnosed) for years. The symptoms can vary drastically from one person to another, making it difficult to recognise. Some people suffer from severe digestive issues, while others have symptoms that seem completely unrelated to the gut.
Understanding the signs of celiac disease is crucial for getting a diagnosis and taking control of your health. Let’s break it all down.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, not a food allergy or intolerance. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine. Over time, this damage leads to malabsorption of nutrients, causing a cascade of health issues.
For years, I had no idea that something as simple as bread, pasta, or even a tiny crumb of gluten was wreaking havoc on my body. I just knew that I felt awful all the time. It took proper testing to realise that a gluten free lifestyle was the only way to heal and finally start feeling better.
Common Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Digestive Symptoms
Many people associate celiac disease with gut issues, and for good reason. Some of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms include:
Chronic diarrhea – Frequent loose or watery stools that persist for weeks or months.
Constipation – Some people experience the opposite problem and struggle with sluggish digestion.
Bloating and gas – Feeling uncomfortably full or swollen, especially after eating.
Abdominal pain – Persistent cramping, discomfort, or sharp pains after meals.
Nausea and vomiting – Some people feel sick after consuming gluten, even in tiny amounts.
Pale, fatty stools – Celiac disease can lead to stools that appear greasy, foul-smelling, and difficult to flush.
For me, it was a constant battle of bloating and unpredictable stomach pain.
Non-Digestive Symptoms
Not all symptoms of celiac disease show up in the gut. In fact, many people experience symptoms but don’t have obvious digestive issues yet still suffer from:
Chronic fatigue – The kind of exhaustion that no amount of coffee or sleep can fix.
Brain fog – Feeling forgetful, unfocused, or mentally sluggish.
Headaches or migraines – Frequent or severe headaches that seem to come out of nowhere.
Joint pain and muscle aches – Many people mistake this for arthritis or general aging.
Tingling or numbness (neuropathy) – A sign that your nervous system is being affected.
Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis) – Intensely itchy, blistering skin, often misdiagnosed as eczema.
Mouth ulcers – Painful sores inside the mouth that don’t seem to heal.
Iron-deficiency anemia – Feeling weak, dizzy, or pale due to poor nutrient absorption.
Unexplained weight loss – Losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine.
I blamed my fatigue on being busy and a new Mum. I had no idea that celiac disease was draining my energy and preventing my body from absorbing the nutrients I needed to function.
Celiac Disease Symptoms in Children
Children with celiac disease often have different symptoms than adults. Some signs to watch for include:
Failure to thrive – Not gaining weight or growing at a normal rate.
Delayed puberty – Poor growth and development due to malnutrition, despite adequate food intake.
Chronic diarrhea or constipation – Ongoing digestive issues without a clear cause.
Swollen belly and bloating – Even when eating a small amount of food.
Irritability or mood swings – Unexplained changes in behavior.
Dental enamel defects – Weak, pitted, or discolored teeth.
If I had known about celiac disease earlier, I could have avoided so much discomfort. That’s why I’m passionate about spreading awareness, especially for parents who may not realise the impact gluten can have on their child’s health.
What Happens if Celiac Disease Goes Untreated?
Ignoring celiac disease can lead to serious complications, including:
Malnutrition – Nutrient deficiencies, especially in iron, calcium, and B vitamins.
Osteoporosis – Weak bones due to poor calcium absorption.
Infertility and pregnancy issues – Increased risk of miscarriage and complications.
Liver damage – Elevated liver enzymes and inflammation.
Increased risk of certain cancers – A rare but serious complication of untreated celiac disease.
Getting Diagnosed with Celiac Disease
If you suspect you or a loved on has celiac disease, the first step is testing.
Do not remove gluten from your diet before getting tested, as this can affect the results.
Doctors typically diagnose celiac disease using:
Blood tests – Checking for celiac-related antibodies.
Endoscopy and biopsy – Examining the small intestine for damage.
Genetic testing – Identifying risk factors for celiac disease.
For me, getting a diagnosis was life changing. It wasn’t just about avoiding certain foods—it was about finally understanding what my body needed to thrive.
Living a Gluten Free Life
Once diagnosed, the only treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten free diet. There’s no cheat day or "just a little won’t hurt" when it comes to celiac disease. Even a small amount of gluten can trigger an autoimmune response.
That might sound overwhelming, but I promise—it gets easier. Over the years, I’ve learned how to:
Find safe gluten free foods without feeling deprived.
Eat out with confidence and navigate tricky social situations.
Avoid cross contact in shared kitchens and restaurants.
Meal plan efficiently to make gluten free living simple and stress-free.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of celiac disease, don’t ignore them. I know firsthand how easy it is to brush off fatigue, bloating, and headaches as "normal," but they’re not. The sooner you get answers, the sooner you can start healing.
A gluten free life isn’t a limitation—it’s freedom. It’s the chance to finally feel better, to have energy again, and to take control of your health.
If you’re ready to start your journey, I’m here to help. Whether it’s through my meal plans, coaching, or podcast, I want to make living with celiac disease easier for you. You deserve to thrive.
Or if you've been living with Celiac Disease and need further support, I recommend joining Ultimate Celiac System for guidance. This will not only provide the practical advice required but also the emotional support necessary for coping with this lifelong condition. You can learn more here.
Note: The following list of signs and symptoms is not complete. This barely even scratches the surface. There are hundreds of known signs and symptoms of celiac disease.
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