If you think you have celiac disease, there are a few symptoms you should be aware of. You may notice a rash on your skin or experience stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea. Intestinal damage and changes in your teeth can also be signs of the condition.
Itchy, Blistering Skin Rash
Dermatitis herpetiformis is an itchy, blistering skin rash that is linked to the disease celiac disease. Hivelike swellings and clusters of small blisters characterize it. Usually, these blisters appear on the elbows, buttocks, knees, and lower back. It is often confused with eczema and herpes.
It usually begins in people who are 30 to 40 years old. However, it can occur in children, as well.
It is a chronic condition and can be triggered by gluten ingestion. The disease is more common in men and people of northern European descent. Some other symptoms include abdominal pain, anemia, short stature, unexplained weight loss, and digestive problems.
It may also lead to gastrointestinal cancer. In people with celiac disease, a protein called immunoglobulin A (IgA) is present in the bloodstream. The body’s immune system then attacks the epidermal transglutaminase protein in the skin. This is the cause of the itchy, blistering skin rash of dermatitis herpetiformis.
You will be put on a rigorous gluten-free diet with the help of a nutritionist for celiac disease once your doctor confirms your diagnosis. This may aid in reducing your rash. Taking oral antibiotics like dapsone may be necessary. This drug will lessen your itching and blisters, but it can also result in anemia.
Another alternative treatment for dermatitis herpetiformis is sulfapyridine. You may need to keep a blood count every few weeks to ensure the medicine works. Other medications can be prescribed if you experience side effects.
Changes in Teeth
Dental enamel defects are one of the most common signs of celiac disease. The damage is caused by an immune reaction to the cells that make enamel. This can cause cavities and discoloration of teeth. The resulting changes are permanent.
When diagnosed early, this condition can be repaired, and teeth can resume normal function. There are many ways to do this, but it is important to seek the care of a dentist.
If a dentist suspects celiac disease, they may coordinate laboratory testing with the patient’s physician. The results can help determine if the condition is the only cause of the symptoms or if another factor is causing the damage.
In some cases, children with celiac disease may have ridged teeth and a horizontal groove across the teeth. These defects are thought to have developed during the child’s early illness.
These problems can be painful, so a child should be checked for canker sores. These ulcers appear in the mouth and usually start in the cheeks. The sores can last for several days or weeks.
There are other causes of tooth problems, including poor oral hygiene habits. It is possible to improve your teeth’ health by eating a gluten-free diet. Some supplements can also be taken to aid the function of your teeth.
As a child with celiac disease, it is important to maintain good dental health. It is also essential to get regular exams because the condition can impede the development of your teeth.
Intestinal Injury
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the small intestine. The symptoms result from the immune reaction to the gluten protein in food. The disease affects about 1 percent of the population in Western countries. It is characterized by intestinal injury, flattening of the villi, and thickened stool.
Having this disease can cause serious health problems. It can also be a risk factor for developing Crohn’s disease, an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It can lead to loss of bone density, and it can interfere with reproduction.
It can also cause anemia and fatigue. People who suffer from it may also have neurological issues. In addition, it can lead to miscarriage. It is important to eat a gluten-free diet to help the body heal. It is also helpful to have regular medical checkups to ensure your symptoms respond to treatment.
While some people with this disease may be able to heal quickly, others might require surgery or steroids to manage the inflammation. The damage to the small intestine caused by celiac disease can lead to the malabsorption of nutrients. This can cause a nutritional deficiency, leading to confusion, dizziness, and even iron-deficiency anemia. Sometimes, the disease may be accompanied by depression or mood disorders.
Diagnosis
When a person has symptoms of celiac disease, there are many tests that a doctor can perform. It is important to be diagnosed as early as possible to treat the disease and to improve symptoms. A person’s diet should also be changed to avoid gluten, which is a storage protein found in grains.
Healthcare providers use two common methods to test for celiac disease. The first method involves taking a blood sample and testing the patient for antibodies to gluten. The second requires a small tissue sample from the intestine.
Patients with celiac disease may experience various symptoms, from diarrhea and abdominal pain to iron deficiency anemia. There are also non-gastrointestinal signs of the disease, including skin disorders, bone disease, and abnormal liver function tests.
Some people have no symptoms. However, there is a higher risk of death when a diagnosis is delayed. This risk is most evident in the first three years after diagnosis.
A person with celiac disease needs to follow a strict gluten-free diet for the rest of their life. This will help the intestine heal and will prevent further complications. Some patients may experience other symptoms, such as depression or generalized arthralgias.
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