Complications of Celiac Disease
Damage to the small intestine and the resulting nutrient absorption problems put a person with
celiac disease at risk for malnutrition and anemia, as well as several diseases and other health problems.
These other complications of celiac disease can include:
- Lymphoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Osteoporosis
- Miscarriage
- Birth defects
- Short stature.
Malnutrition
The longer a person goes undiagnosed and untreated, the greater the chance of developing malnutrition and other complications. Anemia, delayed growth, and weight loss are signs of malnutrition, as the body is simply not getting enough nutrients. Malnutrition is a serious problem for children because they need adequate nutrition to develop properly.
Lymphoma and Adenocarcinoma
People with celiac disease are at increased risk for both non-
Hodgkin's lymphoma and cancer of the intestines (adenocarcinoma). Most often, the cancer is in the small intestine but there is some evidence of an increased risk for
colon cancer or
rectal cancer (known collectively as
colorectal cancer).
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak, brittle, and prone to breaking. Poor calcium absorption contributes to osteoporosis (
see Celiac Disease and Osteoporosis). People with celiac disease are also at increased risk for
osteopenia.
Miscarriage or Birth Defects
Miscarriage and birth defects, such as neural tube defects, are risks for pregnant women with untreated celiac disease because of nutrient absorption problems.
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