A third of people with the disease don’t know they have it – here are six signs and how to manage it
Coeliac disease, the autoimmune condition set off by gluten where the body mistakenly attacks itself, is more elusive than you might think; in fact, one-third of those who have it are oblivious to their condition. This is leading Dr Alasdair Scott, an expert on gut health at Selph, to echo his peers in raising awareness about some of the ‘lesser known’ symptoms that may lead to a ‘silent coeliac’ diagnosis.
Dr Scott said: “Silent coeliac disease can be tricky to pick up because, by definition, you have none of the common coeliac symptoms. However, there are often more subtle signs that can indicate coeliac disease.”
Traditional markers for coeliac disease, commonly instigated by gluten intake, include diarrhoea, weight loss, abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence and fatigue, reports Surrey Live.
Dr Scott said: “However, although two thirds of people with the disease experience symptoms, this still leaves a huge number of people who do not. This is called ‘silent coeliac disease’.”
Look out for unexplained low iron or anaemia as telltale indicators. Anaemia’s hallmarks encompass notably pale skin, constant tiredness for no apparent reason, and overall bodily weakness.
Another key indicator to be mindful of is low bone density. According to Dr Scott: “Indications of a low bone density include back pain, which could be caused by a broken or collapsed bone in the spine, a stooped posture, or a bone that breaks much more easily than expected.”
Additionally, sensations of tingling or numbness could also signal the presence of the disease.
Dr Scott added: “The disease can also damage nerve fibres, causing abnormalities in sensation or pins and needles. This mainly affects the arms and legs, so if you feel an unusual tingly sensation, it’s best to get this checked out.”
Furthermore, coeliac disease may also manifest through a skin rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis, affecting approximately 1 in 10 individuals.
Dr Scott described the symptoms: “These small, clustered papules and vesicles usually erupt on the elbows, knees, buttocks, back or scalp. They can also sometimes appear on the face and groin.”
In rare instances, infertility can also be a symptom. Dr Scott noted: “Many women with coeliac disease have a history of infertility.
“In a study of women being investigated for infertility, 3% were found to have coeliac disease. Although there are many reasons infertility can happen, it’s a good idea to test for coeliac disease if you are struggling to conceive.”
To ascertain if you’re suffering from coeliac disease, a blood test stands as the premier method of diagnosis, according to Dr Scott.
He said: “If this blood test is negative and you’ve had gluten in your diet in the weeks before testing, you can be confident that you don’t have coeliac disease. On the other hand, if your antibody level is raised, it’s very likely that you have coeliac disease.”
Embracing a gluten-free diet is the optimal treatment for managing coeliac disease. This means steering clear of foods like bread, pasta, cakes, and even certain beers.
The silver lining is by adhering to a gluten-free lifestyle, it allows your gut to recuperate fully, with the promise of a life free from symptoms or complications associated with coeliac disease.