Typical presentation in adults
Coeliac disease is asymptomatic in up to 60% of adults. In the remainder, typical features, with the incidence in parentheses, include:
General effects (80%):
- malaise
- weakness
- weight loss
Gastrointestinal:
- diarrhoea and steatorrhoea (80%)
- abdominal distension and pain (30%)
- nausea and vomiting (30%)
- oral apthous ulcers (5-10%)
Metabolic effects:
- combined iron and folate deficiency (85%)
- vitamin K deficiency (10%)
- vitamin D deficiency and hypocalcaemia (15-30%)
Miscellaneous:
- skin rashes - including dermatitis herpetiformis
- peripheral neuropathy
- psychological disturbance
- peripheral oedema
- cerebrospinal degenerations
- reduced fertility
- relapse in pregnancy or puerperium
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