Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This damage prevents the body from properly absorbing nutrients. While visible blood in the stool is not a common symptom of celiac disease, it can occur in severe or long-standing cases, or due to complications.
Celiac Disease and Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Celiac disease damages the small intestine by flattening villi, the tiny, finger-like projections lining its surface. This process, known as villous atrophy, reduces the surface area for nutrient absorption. The inflamed, damaged intestinal lining can become fragile and prone to bleeding, often microscopic (occult) rather than visible.
Visible blood in stool is unusual for uncomplicated celiac disease. However, severe chronic inflammation and damage can lead to complications like intestinal ulceration, causing noticeable bleeding. Rarely, untreated celiac disease may also be associated with serious complications such as intestinal lymphoma, a type of cancer. Additionally, malabsorption of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting, can occur, potentially contributing to bleeding.
Other Common Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Beyond potential gastrointestinal bleeding, celiac disease presents with a wide range of symptoms, many stemming from nutrient malabsorption caused by intestinal damage. Common digestive symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and constipation. Stools may also be foul-smelling, greasy, or frothy due to fat malabsorption.
Many individuals also experience non-digestive symptoms. These include fatigue, unintended weight loss, and anemia, often due to iron deficiency. An itchy, blistering skin rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis is a characteristic symptom. Other non-digestive manifestations include bone density loss (osteoporosis), mouth ulcers, headaches, and nerve issues like tingling or numbness in the extremities.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If blood is present in your stool, seek medical attention promptly, regardless of whether celiac disease is suspected. Blood in stool can indicate various underlying conditions, some serious, requiring medical evaluation. When seeking medical advice, provide all symptoms and their progression.
For a celiac disease diagnosis, doctors typically use blood tests for specific antibodies, then confirm with a small intestine biopsy. Do not start a gluten-free diet before diagnostic testing, as eliminating gluten can affect test results and make an accurate diagnosis difficult. A healthcare provider can guide you through appropriate diagnostic steps.