logo
10 surprising symptoms of Celiac disease you might be ignoring

10 surprising symptoms of Celiac disease you might be ignoring

Time of India3 days ago
Celiac disease
, often thought of as causing only digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, affects approximately 1% of the global population. While the disease is common, many cases remain undiagnosed.
However, this autoimmune disorder, triggered by gluten in wheat, rye, and barley, can manifest in dozens of unexpected ways. If left undiagnosed, it can silently contribute to long-term complications like osteoporosis, neurological decline, and infertility.
Unchecked celiac disease often results in symptoms affecting your skin, bones, nervous system, reproductive health, and more. However, recognizing common signs, an early diagnosis, and a strict gluten-free diet can transform your quality of life, fixing hidden health problems and preventing serious long-term complications.
In this article, we'll unveil ten surprising yet telling symptoms of celiac disease that you may unknowingly be ignoring.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Unlike eczema or psoriasis, dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is unique to celiac disease: small, intensely itchy clusters of blisters appear on elbows, knees, scalp, or buttocks. These itchy blistering rashes happen due to IgA antibody deposits in the skin, triggered by gluten. Though only about
5-10%
of patients exhibit DH, it's a definitive cutaneous marker of underlying gluten-triggered autoimmunity, and often clears completely on a gluten-free diet.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
15 most beautiful women in the world
Topgentlemen.com
Undo
Iron‑deficiency anemia and consistent fatigue
Iron is absorbed in the part of the small intestine typically damaged by celiac disease. Malabsorption in the damaged upper small intestine inhibits iron absorption, leading to chronic iron-deficiency anemia. This common yet often overlooked effect paints a portrait of persistent fatigue, pale complexion, shortness of breath, and weakness. In fact, as per the
Celiac Disease Foundation
, nearly 11% of unexplained iron-deficiency anemia cases are later diagnosed as celiac disease.
Addressing anemia without investigating underlying causes can delay an important diagnosis.
Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness, burning)
According to the
Mayo Clinic
, up to 10% of celiac patients experience peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include tingling, burning, or numbness in the hands and feet, even when no digestive signs are present. According to a
2021 study
, the prevalence may be even higher (up to 42%) in untreated cases and is thought to stem from nutrient malabsorption and immune-mediated nerve damage.
Migraines, headaches, and brain fog
Frequent headaches, migraines, and cognitive haziness, or '
brain fog
', are surprisingly common symptoms in the case of celiac disease, which people tend to ignore. Chronic inflammation, nutrient deficiencies (like B vitamins), and gluten-related neurological impacts can dull concentration and memory. These neurological symptoms often improve substantially on a gluten-free diet.
Joint pain and arthralgia
This one's to be taken note of. Many patients report joint aches or stiffness, sometimes diagnosed as arthritis. Arthralgia, or joint pain and stiffness, often misdiagnosed as arthritis, can be the result of systemic immune inflammation caused by gluten exposure. As per a
2018 study
, nearly 30% of patients report joint improvement after eliminating gluten.
Bone density loss, osteoporosis, and fracture risk
In celiac disease, damage to the small intestine reduces calcium and vitamin D absorption, compromising
bone health
, leading to an elevated risk of osteomalacia, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures, even in younger adults. Many individuals don't recognize bone weakness until bone scans reveal it. Maintaining strong bones requires both nutrition and gluten removal.
Reproductive challenges (infertility, miscarriage, hormonal irregularities)
Malabsorption and chronic inflammation can impair reproductive health.
Women with undiagnosed celiac
may experience irregular cycles, amenorrhea, infertility, or recurrent miscarriages. As the Mayo Clinic suggests, adhering to a gluten-free diet can normalize fertility and reduce pregnancy complications.
Oral health issues (canker sores and enamel defects)
These are not common oral issues we are talking about that come to pay us a vist once in a while. Persistent mouth ulcers, burning tongue (atrophic glossitis), and serious dental enamel problems like pitting or translucent spots are often associated with celiac disease due to malabsorption of vitamins B12, folate, and minerals.
In children, enamel defects may even signal undiagnosed celiac long before other symptoms emerge.
Mood disorders (anxiety, depression, cognitive decline)
This is more than simple mood swings. Celiac disease, as per
research
, is increasingly linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, ADHD-like attention problems, and even insomnia. These neuropsychiatric symptoms may result from autoimmune processes, nutrient depletion, or chronic inflammation.
Many individuals report improved mood and mental clarity post-diagnosis.
Vertigo, balance issues, and ataxia
Gluten-related neurological impacts aren't limited to headaches. Conditions like
gluten ataxia
, characterized by poor coordination, dizziness, involuntary eye movements, and balance issues, can occur in celiac sufferers. If left untreated, motor dysfunction may become permanent.
Why early detection is important:
Celiac disease, estimated to affect up to 1% of people worldwide, remains undiagnosed in up to 70–80% cases, often because they don't show classic digestive complaints.
These 'non-classic' symptoms can manifest across multiple systems. Persistent unexplained issues in any of these areas indicate a celiac evaluation, which might include serology tests (tTG-IgA) and confirmatory small-bowel biopsy.
If you endure persistent, unexplained symptoms, even in the absence of digestive distress, don't overlook celiac disease. Consult with a healthcare provider and get tested. Early diagnosis and a strict gluten-free diet can transform your quality of life, fixing hidden health problems and preventing serious long-term complications.
Heart Failure Warning: 4 Symptoms You Might Be Overlooking
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Now, book OPD appointments at 35 govt hospitals online
Now, book OPD appointments at 35 govt hospitals online

Time of India

time44 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Now, book OPD appointments at 35 govt hospitals online

New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday launched the Health Information Management System (HIMS), calling it a major leap towards digital, transparent and accessible healthcare in Delhi. The new system will allow patients to book OPD appointments online, receive digital OPD slips, and access their medical records in real-time—eliminating the need to queue up at govt hospitals. Gupta also digitally inaugurated 34 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and eight Jan Aushadhi Kendras during an event held at Delhi Secretariat. Developed in collaboration with the ministry of health and family welfare and based on the NextGen e-Hospital platform, HIMS is integrated with Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs. Over 93 lakh ABHA IDs were already generated in Delhi, officials said. "This is a big relief for the people of Delhi, who will no longer have to stand in long lines or run from counter to counter. Everything is going digital," said Gupta. The platform will connect patients, doctors, and hospitals on one centralised network, making medical treatment more efficient and streamlined, she added. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi The system is already live in 35 govt hospitals for OPD registrations and will be expanded to all public health institutions in a phased rollout, said officials. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World Undo by Taboola by Taboola Addressing the gathering, the chief minister criticised the previous AAP-led govt's health model, stating, "We are still searching for their so-called health model. They didn't even appoint full-time medical superintendents. One MS was managing four hospitals. No permanent doctors, nurses, or paramedical staff were hired. They couldn't even complete one hospital in their tenure." Gupta also alleged that the previous govt left 24 hospitals incomplete and failed to operationalise seven ICU hospitals announced during the Covid-19 pandemic. "What they left behind were just empty porta cabins and iron structures. There were no doctors, no medicines, and no accountability," she said. There was no response from AAP to these allegations. Gupta further said her govt was now constructing seven new super-specialty hospitals and was committed to completing them on time. "We will make Delhi a hub of world-class healthcare and modern facilities so that patients from across the country can come here for treatment," she added. The 34 newly inaugurated Ayushman Mandirs are spread across areas such as Shilampur, Kalkaji, Burari, Karol Bagh, Paschim Vihar, Malviya Nagar and Gandhi Nagar. These centres will offer a range of primary health services, including vaccinations, maternal and child care, yoga sessions and wellness counselling. Health minister Pankaj Singh said that 68 Ayushman Mandirs were made operational in just a month. "This is not a govt of advertisements. This is a govt that works," he added. The eight new Jan Aushadhi Kendras—opened in govt hospitals—will provide essential medicines at subsidised rates. Seventeen such outlets were launched earlier this year, and more are expected soon.

Install CCTV cameras in a week to curb misuse of scheduled drugs: Govt to medical shops
Install CCTV cameras in a week to curb misuse of scheduled drugs: Govt to medical shops

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Install CCTV cameras in a week to curb misuse of scheduled drugs: Govt to medical shops

New Delhi: In a move to curb the sale of low-quality drugs and dual-use medicines without prescriptions, Delhi govt has directed all pharmaceutical and medical shops to install CCTV cameras on their premises by the end of July 2025. The order specifically targets high-risk drugs such as codeine-based cough syrups, alprazolam tablets and tramadol capsules, which are frequently misused—particularly by minors. In a letter addressed to Retail Distribution Chemist Alliance and other chemist associations across Delhi, special secretary (health and family welfare) Danish Ashraf stated: "Share this communication with all your members, conveying the directions not to indulge in the sale of Schedule H, H1, and X drugs without a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Further, as per the deliberations held during the 11th NCORD meeting on July 18, your members/chemists are requested to install CCTV cameras at their premises by the end of July 2025. " These scheduled drugs are strictly regulated. Schedule H and H1 drugs cannot be sold over the counter and require a doctor's prescription. H1 drugs—such as strong antibiotics, anti-TB medicines, and habit-forming substances under the NDPS Act—require sales to be logged in a separate register. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo by Taboola by Taboola Schedule X drugs, such as barbiturates, amphetamines, and pentobarbital, are highly regulated, requiring special sale licences, secure storage under lock and key, and strict documentation, including prescription retention. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Officials added that the drug control department conducts regular inspections across the city to ensure compliance. It also carries out special drives from time to time to collect samples from retailers, wholesalers and institutions to check the quality of drugs available in the market. "In one such special drive conducted in June 2025, the department collected 127 samples of anti-cancer drugs from various outlets across the capital. Of these, 48 samples were tested and found to be genuine and compliant with prescribed quality norms. The results of the remaining 79 samples are awaited. All tested samples so far have been declared of standard quality," said KR Chawla, head of office, drug control department. The ongoing surveillance and quality checks aim to boost accountability and deter the over-the-counter sale of restricted drugs without medical supervision—while also ensuring that essential medicines, particularly for critical illnesses like cancer, meet safety and efficacy standards, said another official.

Rajendra Sonia turmeric sees huge surge in demand
Rajendra Sonia turmeric sees huge surge in demand

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Rajendra Sonia turmeric sees huge surge in demand

1 2 3 4 Patna: A variety of turmeric, 'Rajendra Sonia', developed by Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU)-Pusa, is witnessing a huge surge in demand nationwide because of its high curcumin content. Significantly, this particular variety of turmeric contains a high curcumin content, ranging from 6% to 8.5%, making it a much sought-after commodity for its medicinal properties. Curcumin, a key component of turmeric, is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. According to the agricultural scientists, its high concentration in 'Rajendra Sonia' makes it an attractive option for various applications, including pharmaceutical and food industries. RPCAU's vice-chancellor P S Pandey told this newspaper that the demand for 'Rajendra Sonia' turmeric is increasing across states, with many institutions and organisations seeking to cultivate it locally. The variety's high quality and certified curcumin content have contributed to its growing popularity. "The university's efforts to promote 'Rajendra Sonia' turmeric are expected to benefit the farmers significantly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo With the GI tagging of specific products, including Shahi litchi and Madhubani paintings, farmers can expect higher prices for their produce. For instance, the GI tagging of 'marcha dhan chura' from Motihari has already led to a significant increase in its price, benefiting local farmers," he said, adding that the university is working on identifying specific elements in various crop varieties to enhance their demand and value. RPCAU's scientist A K Mishra reported that the institution has sold over 347 quintals of 'Rajendra Sonia' turmeric seeds to institutions and organisations in several states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. "The university has also distributed 130 quintals of Rajendra Sonia turmeric seeds to the farmers in the state, enabling them to cultivate and sell the crop at a higher price. This initiative is expected to boost the income of farmers and promote the cultivation of high-quality turmeric in the region," Mishra added.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store