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Typical presentation in adults

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

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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