What is an Extraintestinal Symptoms
By: Rachel Toon
1/23/18
Have you ever heard of the word extraintestinal? It sounds a little scary. Extraintestinal is a word that comes right along with celiac disease and pertains to symptoms that a person encounters through different parts of their body, but that are outside of their intestines; although the problem is actually related to their intestines. A perfect example is celiac disease. Although the problem stems from the damage done to the small intestines, a majority of the symptoms resemble no relation to the small the intestines.
An article by The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, by Hilary Jericho, MD, explains that extraintestinal symptoms are common in adults. Dr. Jericho continues to state that "more common extra-intestinal symptoms include abnormal liver enzymes, arthralgia/arthritis, alopecia, fatigue, headache, anemia, mouth sores,muscle aches, psychiatric disorders including depression, rashes, seizures, neuropathy, short stature, delayed puberty, osteoporosis and infertility." She goes into greater detail regarding short stature, iron deficiency anemia , and psychiatric disorders.
It is important to know there are right at 300 different symptoms that have been linked to celiac disease. These symptoms range from your typical gastrointestinal symptoms, to extraintestinal symptoms and even no symptoms at all. The variety of symptoms is what makes it difficult for physicians to diagnose patients properly. I continue to bring this to attention because many individuals are suffering from extraintestinal symptoms that are directly related to celiac disease. These symptoms lead them on a wild goose chase and often are left frustrated and discouraged with no answers.
To go into greater detail regarding this topic, click on the link below and read the entire article.