Celiac disease symptoms: 8 red flags

Got celiac disease? It's not always easy to tell, as symptoms of the disease vary from person to person. "Clinical manifestations can be extremely variable," Dr. Peter H. R. Green, director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University in New York City, told CBS News. "It ranges from people who are very sick to people who are asymptomatic." Keep clicking as Dr. Green explains some of the most common symptoms...

Diarrhea

Although people often think of diarrhea as watery stool, people with celiac disease sometimes simply have stools that are a bit looser than usual - and more frequent. Typically, diarrhea associated with celiac disease occurs after eating.

Fatigue

All sorts of medical problems can cause fatigue, and celiac disease is one of them.

Bloating

People who have celiac diseae often experience cramps or an unpleasant feeling of fullness after eating. This feeling of distention can sometimes be relieved by passing gas - but not always.

Tingling

Tingling in the hands or feet is a symptom of celiac disease. The sensation is evidence of a nerve condition known as peripheral neuropathy.

Headaches

Another vague complaint, headaches are common in people with celiac disease. In some cases, the disorder causes migraine headaches.

Mouth sores

The whitish sores commonly caused by celiac disease tend to appear not on the lips, as cold sores typically do, but on the insides of the cheeks or even the tongue, Dr. Green said.

Rash

An itchy rash with blisters affects many people with celiac disease. The rash can appear anywhere but is especially common on the elbows, knees, and scalp, according to Dr. Green.

Short stature

In children, short stature can be evidence of celiac, Dr. Green said. It's a result of the poor absorption of nutrients.