Symptoms of Celiac Condition and Gluten Intolerance
Celiac and gluten intolerance can manifest with over 300 different symptoms — or none at all.
Common Symptoms
Digestive
bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas, pain, weight loss
Fatigue and Anemia
Bones and joints
Bone and joint pain, cramps, osteoporosis
Neurological
tingling in hands/feet, seizures, headaches
Children
growth delay and irritability
Reproductive Health
missed periods, infertility, miscarriages
Skin/Mouth
rashes, mouth sores, tooth enamel damage
DIAGNOSTIFICATION
How Is Celiac Diagnosed
The diagnosis of celiac condition is based mainly on specific blood tests and, when needed, a small intestine biopsy. For accurate results, it is essential that the person continues consuming gluten throughout the diagnostic process.
Blood Tests Used for Diagnosis
Tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA)
The most commonly used and sensitive test for diagnosing celiac.
Total IgA
Checks whether the body produces enough IgA. If IgA is deficient, the tTG‑IgA test may be falsely negative.
Deamidated Gliadin Peptide (DGP)
Particularly useful in young children or in individuals with low IgA levels.
Endomysial Antibody (EMA IgA)
A highly accurate diagnostic test, often used together with tTG‑IgA.
⚠️ Important considerations during diagnosis:
- Continue eating gluten: Gluten must be consumed regularly (gluten challenge) during testing. Stopping gluten before testing can result in false negative outcomes.
- Genetic testing (HLA-DQ2 / HLA-DQ8): A negative result can almost completely rule out celiac. A positive result does not confirm the diagnosis, as many healthy individuals carry these genes.
Final diagnostic step:
- If blood tests are positive, a gastroenterologist will usually perform a small intestine biopsy (endoscopy) to confirm intestinal damage and establish the diagnosis of celiac condition.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.