Untreated CD is known to cause lymphoma, pancreatic disease, osteoporosis, short stature, anemia, and nervous system disorders. Celiac children are more likely to exhibit behavioral problems. Many have been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity. Untreated celiac women of childbearing age are more likely to suffer infertility, amenorrhea, and spontaneous abortions. Patients report digestive symptoms most frequently, often accompanied by fatigue, headaches, anemia, muscle weakness, depression or anxiety.
Some patients report bacterial or viral infections that never seem to go away.
The goal of this research is to determine if celiacs are being diagnosed within three months of onset of symptoms. Also, to identify obstacles, if any, to the timely diagnosis of celiacs, and develop recommendations for improving the diagnostic process. I wish I could provide free copies to everyone who expressed an interest, but the cost of reproducing and mailing the report prohibits it. Copyright 1998 by M.G.Kapps. All rights reserved.