Coeliac disease, the autoimmune disorder set off by gluten that causes the body to attack itself, can be a stealthy affliction—symptomless, and hence termed silent. Astonishingly, one third of sufferers may carry on unaware of their condition. Dr Alasdair Scott, gut health expert at Selph, along with his medical peers, is ringing alarm bells over the “lesser known” symptoms of coeliac disease which could lead to uncovering a “silent coeliac”.
He cautioned: “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.” Typical manifestations of coeliac disease, often set in motion by gluten intake, range from diarrhoea and weight loss to stomach pain, bloating, excessive wind, greasy floating stools, and chronic fatigue.
“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’.”
Pay heed if you detect low iron or anaemia, warns Dr Scott. Being very pale, a relentless, inexplicable exhaustion, and feelings of frailty could all be signs of this silent variant, reports Surrey Live.
Another health concern to be vigilant about is low bone density. Dr Scott highlighted: “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.”
He also warned that tingling or numbness might signal trouble.
Dr Scott elaborated: “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.”
Coeliac disease could also reveal itself through a skin condition known as dermatitis herpetiformis, which impacts around one in 10 sufferers.
Dr Scott described: “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.”
Additionally, infertility may be a less common symptom. Dr Scott remarked: “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.”
Dr Scott emphasised the importance of a blood test for those suspecting they might have coeliac disease: “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.”
Adopting a gluten-free diet is the most effective treatment, covering foods like bread, pasta, cakes, and even beer. Fortunately, sticking to a gluten-free diet should allow your gut to fully recover and prevent any symptoms or complications associated with coeliac disease.