Why do I need a celiac disease test?
You may need a celiac disease test if you have symptoms of celiac disease. Symptoms are different for children and adults.
Symptoms of celiac disease in children include:
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal bloating
Constipation
Chronic diarrhea and foul-smelling stool
Weight loss and/or failure to gain weight
Delayed puberty
Irritable behavior
Symptoms of celiac disease in adults include digestive problems such as:
Nausea and vomiting
Chronic diarrhea
Unexplained weight loss
Decreased appetite
Abdominal pain
Bloating and gas
Many adults with celiac disease have symptoms that are not related to digestion. These include:
Iron-deficient anemia
An itchy rash called dermatitis herpetiformis
Mouth sores
Bone loss
Depression or anxiety
Fatigue
Headaches
Missed menstrual periods
Tingling in the hands and/or feet
If you don't have symptoms, you may need a celiac test if you are at higher risk of having the disease. You are more likely to have celiac disease if a close family member has celiac disease. You may also be at higher risk if you have another autoimmune disorder, such as type 1 diabetes.
