What are the signs and symptoms of celiac sprue?
Symptoms vary, but people with celiac sprue often have abdominal bloating, cramping, distention, steatorrhea, and diarrhea accompanied by weight loss in adults and failure to thrive in babies. Irritability is also a typical symptom. Damage caused to intestinal cells results in secondary lactose intolerance and loss of potassium and other electrolytes. Vitamin deficiencies can cause osteomalaci, rickets, muscle spasms, night blindness, and anemia. Symptoms for adults can be variable. A person with celiac sprue may have isolated symptoms or multiple deficiencies. Diarrhea may or may not be present. Appetite is often increased. Weight loss, weakness, and fatigue are also common complaints. When the absorptive lining of the small intestine is damaged, fat cannot be absorbed normally. The results include fatty diarrhea, weight loss and absorption of fat soluable Vitamins A, D, E, and K. How is Celiac Sprue diagnosed? Other than signs and symptoms, the best way to diagnose celiac sprue is by
