350+ Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects nearly every system within the body. There are over 350+ symptoms of celiac disease and there is no cure. The only treatment is a strict adherence to a gluten free diet. The effects of untreated celiac disease by either intentional or unintentional means can result in immediate undesirable symptoms or can go completely unnoticed – symptoms often referred to as “silent celiac” – either of which can have cumulative and potentially irreversible effects on the body.

350+ Symptoms of Celiac Disease

There are many reasons why one should get tested for celiac disease, but it is especially important to understand that celiac disease is hereditary and that it and its associated medical conditions run in families. So, get tested for celiac disease if:

  1. You have a family member who has been diagnosed with celiac disease.
  2. You are experiencing any symptoms associated with celiac disease.
  3. You or one of your family members have a history of any of the symptoms of or have been diagnosed with other conditions associated with celiac disease.

It is important to know your risks so you can get tested. If you are diagnosed with celiac disease, it is imperative to learn what gluten free really means, how to read food labels, and how to live a gluten free lifestyle so you can immediately implement a gluten free diet and so your body can begin to heal.

350+ Symptoms of Celiac Disease

It is important to recognize all potential symptoms and associated medical conditions associated with celiac disease. Knowingly eating gluten despite being aware of the consequences of it or inadvertently ingesting gluten free foods that have been cross contacted or cross contaminated with gluten can result in internal damage that have long lasting consequences beyond any short-term effects that will have resolved within hours, days, or weeks of the incident.

To help you better assess your risk of developing celiac disease, check out this list of symptoms and other conditions that are associated with celiac disease.

Abdominal Distention (Bloating)

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Abdominal Pain

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Acne

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Addison’s Disease (Adrenal gland failure/insufficiency)

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Adenocarcinoma of the Small Intestine

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Allergic Rhinitis

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Alopecia Areata (Patches of hair loss)

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Alopecia, Diffuse (Balding)

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Amenorrhea (Absence of menstrual period)

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Amnesia

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Anemia, Folate – Folic Acid or B9

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Anemia, Iron

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Anemia, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

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Anemia, Vitamin B12

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Angina Pectoris

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Anorexia (Poor appetite)

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Anti-Endomysium Antibodies (EMA)

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Anti-Gliadin Antibodies (AGA)

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Anti-Neuronal Antibodies

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Antiphospholipid Syndrome

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Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies (tTG)

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Anxiety

References:

Campagna G, Pesce M, Tatangelo R, Rizzuto A, La Fratta I, Grilli A. The progression of coeliac disease: its neurological and psychiatric implications. Nutrition Research Reviews. Cambridge University Press; 2017;30(1):25–35.

Aortic Vasculitis

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Apathy

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Aphthous Stomatitis/Ulcers (Canker sores in mouth)

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Appetite, Increased

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Appetite, Decreased (Anorexia)

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Arterial Thrombosis

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Associated Autoimmune Antibodies

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Asthma

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Ataxia, Gait Disturbance

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Ataxia, Gluten

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Ataxia, Progressive Myoclonic

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Atherosclerosis

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Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)

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Autism and Learning Disorders

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Autoimmune Cholangitis

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Autoimmune Disorders in Celiac Disease

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Autoimmune Disorders in Dermatitis Herpetiformis

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Autoimmune Encephalopathy

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Autoimmune Hepatitis

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Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndromes

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Autoimmune Thyroid

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Autonomic Dysfunction

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B-cell non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

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Beta Casein Enteropathy (Cow’s dairy intolerance similar to celiac disease)

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Bitot’s Spots (Foamy patches on whites of eye)

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Bleeding, Unexplained

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Blepharitis

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Bloodshot Eyes

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Blurred Vision

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Bone Alkaline Phosphatase Enzyme, Elevated

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Bone Fracture

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Bone Pain

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Brain Atrophy

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Brainstem Encephalitis

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Brain Fog

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Bronchial Pneumonia

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Bronchiectasis

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Burning Dysesthesias

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Cachexia (Wasting of the body)

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Calcium, Low

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Cancer of the Esophagus

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Kalra, N., Mukerjee, A., Sinha, S., Muralidhar, V., Serin, Y., Tiwari, A., & Verma, A.K. (2022). Current updates on the association between celiac disease and cancer, and the effects of the gluten‑free diet for modifying the risk (Review). International Journal of Functional Nutrition, 3, 2. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijfn.2022.25

Cancer of the Pharynx

References:

Kalra, N., Mukerjee, A., Sinha, S., Muralidhar, V., Serin, Y., Tiwari, A., & Verma, A.K. (2022). Current updates on the association between celiac disease and cancer, and the effects of the gluten‑free diet for modifying the risk (Review). International Journal of Functional Nutrition, 3, 2. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijfn.2022.25

Candida Infections

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Carbohydrate Malabsorption

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Cardiomegaly

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Cataracts

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Cerebellar Ataxia

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Cerebral Perfusion Abnormalities (Poor blood flow)

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Cheilosis (Red lips, cracking/ oozing at corners of mouth)

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Cholesterol, Low (below 156)

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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Chorea

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Chronic Bullous Dermatosis

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Chronic Infections

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Clubbing

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Coagulation Factors, Low

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Cognitive Impairment

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Colitis, Collagenous

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Colitis, Lymphocytic

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Colitis, Ulcerative

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Collagen-Vascular Disease

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Colonic Volvulus (Loop of intestine twists causing strangulation of intestine)

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Colorectal Cancer

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Kalra, N., Mukerjee, A., Sinha, S., Muralidhar, V., Serin, Y., Tiwari, A., & Verma, A.K. (2022). Current updates on the association between celiac disease and cancer, and the effects of the gluten‑free diet for modifying the risk (Review). International Journal of Functional Nutrition, 3, 2. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijfn.2022.25

Common Variable Immunodeficiency

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Complications After Childbirth

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Complications During Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery

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Confabulation

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Confused/ Faulty Thinking

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Congenital Anomalies

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Congestive Heart Failure

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Constipation

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Copper, Low

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Corneal Clouding

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Coronary Artery Disease

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Gupta K, Sawalha K, Pundlik S, Abozenah M, Naseem K, Al-Akchar M, et al. Outcomes of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Hospitalized Patients with Celiac Disease, a United States Nationwide Experience. Hearts [Internet]. 2022 Mar 1;3(1):38–44. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/hearts3010006

Cortical Calcifying Angiomatosis

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Crohn’s Disease

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Cryptic Intestinal T-cell Lymphoma (Refractory Sprue)

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Cutaneous Vasculitis

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Cutis Laxa

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Cystic Fibrosis

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Deaminated Gliadin Peptide Antibodies (anti-DGP)

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Defective Tooth Enamel (Yellow, white spots, missing enamel)

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Delayed Gastric Emptying (Early fullness after eating)

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Delayed Puberty in Boys

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Delayed Puberty in Girls

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Dental Enamel Defects – white or brown spots, ridges on teeth or malformed teeth resulting from typical CD while teeth are forming

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Dementia

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Depression

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Dermatitis Herpetiformis

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Dermatomyositis

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Song MS, Farber D, Bitton A, Jass J, Singer M, Karpati G. Dermatomyositis associated with celiac disease: response to a gluten-free diet. Can J Gastroenterol. 2006 Jun;20(6):433-5. doi: 10.1155/2006/574074. PMID: 16779462; PMCID: PMC2659927.

Developmental Delay

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Diabetes Mellitus Type I

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Diabetic Instability

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Diarrhea, acute (Also called celiac crisis)

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Diarrhea, chronic

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Disorders of antibody production

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Disorders of bone, joints and teeth

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Disorders of childbearing

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Disorders of children that occur after birth

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Disorders of chromosomes

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Disorders of kidneys and urinary tract structure and function

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Disorders of lung tissue and broncheal tree structure and function

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Disorders of muscle structure and function

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Disorders of organ structure and function

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Disorders of skin, hair, and nails

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Disorders of that occur before birth of the child

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Disorders of the body as a whole

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Disorders of the glands

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Disorders of the heart and blood vessels

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Disorders of the lymphocytes (white blood cells), lymph nodes and spleen

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Down Syndrome

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Duodenal Erosions in the Second Part of Duodenum (Small ulcers)

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Dysarthria

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Dysgueusia

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Dysmenorrhea (Painful menstrual periods)

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Dyspareunia (Painful intercourse)

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Dyspepsia – “Stomach Aches”

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Zádori N, Németh D, Frim L, Vörhendi N, Szakó L, Váncsa S, Hegyi P, Czimmer J. Dyspepsia-Like Symptoms in Helicobacter pylori-Negative Chronic Gastritis are Associated with ASCA-, ANCA-, and Celiac Seropositivity but Not with Other Autoimmune Parameters: A Single-Centre, Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Gen Med. 2022 Oct 12;15:7789-7796. doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S380419. PMID: 36258798; PMCID: PMC9572481.

Dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing)

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Dysphonia

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Easy Bruising (Ecchymosis)

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Eczema

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Edema (Swelling)

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Edema of Small Intestinal Lining

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Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

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Enteropathic Arthritis

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Enteropathy Associated T-cell Lymphoma (EATL)

References:

Kalra, N., Mukerjee, A., Sinha, S., Muralidhar, V., Serin, Y., Tiwari, A., & Verma, A.K. (2022). Current updates on the association between celiac disease and cancer, and the effects of the gluten‑free diet for modifying the risk (Review). International Journal of Functional Nutrition, 3, 2. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijfn.2022.25

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

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Epilepsy

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Erythema Nodosum

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Esophageal Motor Abnormalities (Poor muscle activity/coordination)

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Esophageal Small Cell Carcinoma

References:

Kalra, N., Mukerjee, A., Sinha, S., Muralidhar, V., Serin, Y., Tiwari, A., & Verma, A.K. (2022). Current updates on the association between celiac disease and cancer, and the effects of the gluten‑free diet for modifying the risk (Review). International Journal of Functional Nutrition, 3, 2. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijfn.2022.25

Esophageal Ulcers

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Extraintestinal Lymphomas

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Eythema Elevatum Diutinum

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Failure to Thrive and Stunted Growth

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Fatigue/ Lassitude

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Faulty Learning

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Fecal Occult Blood (Blood found in stool that is not visible to the naked eye)

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Fibromyalgia

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Flatulence (Gas)

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Follicular Hyperkeratosis (Dry rough skin/ plugged hair follicles on body)

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Food Allergies, IgE and non-IgE Immune Responses

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Gas (Flatulence)

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Gastric Ulcer (Stomach ulcers)

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Gastric Ulcerations

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Gastritis, Collagenous

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Gastritis, Lymphocytic

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Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

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Kalra, N., Mukerjee, A., Sinha, S., Muralidhar, V., Serin, Y., Tiwari, A., & Verma, A.K. (2022). Current updates on the association between celiac disease and cancer, and the effects of the gluten‑free diet for modifying the risk (Review). International Journal of Functional Nutrition, 3, 2. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijfn.2022.25

Gastro-Intestinal Complications of Type 1 Diabetes

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Gastro-Intestinal Occult Bleeding (Blood in stool that is not visible to naked eye)

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Glossitis

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Glucose, Low

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Glucose, Elevated

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Gluten Sensitive Enteritis

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Glycogenic Acanthosis

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Grave’s Disease (Autoimmune Induced Hyperthyroidism)

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Gums bleeding/ swollen (Purplish in adults/ red in children)

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H. Pylori Bacter (Infection of the stomach)

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Hallucination

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Hangnail

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Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (Autoimmune Induced Hypothyroidism)

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Headache

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Heartburn

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Hemochromatosis

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  • Zubizarreta, Elisabet; Zapata, Eva; Castiella, Agustin. Celiac disease and hemochromatosis. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 20(6):p 589, June 2008. | DOI: 10.1097/MEG.0b013e3282f4e8a6

Hemolytic Anemia

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Hepatic Granulomatous Disease

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Homocysteine, Elevated

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Hyperactivity

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Hypercoagulability

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Hyperprolactinemia (elevated prolactin hormone)

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Hypertension

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Hypocalciuria

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Hypogonadism

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Hypokalemic Rhabdomyolysis (Acute, severe potassium deficiency)

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Hypoprothrombinemia

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Hyposplenism (Atrophy of spleen)

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Hypotonia

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Ichthyosis, Acquired

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Idiopathic Dilated (congestive) Cardiomyopathy

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Idiopathic Hypoparathyroidism

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Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis

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Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

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IgA Deficiency

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IgA Nephropathy

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Impaired Gall Bladder Motility

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Impotence

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Inability to Concentrate

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Inattentiveness

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Increased Pulmonary Permeability

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Increased Susceptibility to Tuberculosis

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Infertility

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Intraepithelial Lymphocytosis in Small Bowel Samples

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Intrauterine Growth Retardation/Restriction

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Itchy Skin Rash

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Jaundice

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  • High prevalence of celiac disease in autoimmune hepatitis [Internet]. Medscape. 2021 [cited 2023 Jun 3]. Available from: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/962118
  • Khan SA, Imran M, Ali Q, Malik MI. Celiac disease with autoimmune hemolytic anemia and autoimmune hepatitis in a young child: Case report and literature review. Clin Med Insights Pediatr [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2023 Jun 3];16:11795565221120564. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/11795565221120565
  • Liu JZ, Almarri MA, Gaffney DJ, Mells GF, Jostins L, Cordell HJ, et al. Dense fine-mapping study identifies new susceptibility loci for primary biliary cirrhosis. Nat Genet [Internet]. 2012;44(10):1137–41. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ng.2395
  • Primary Biliary Cholangitis [Internet]. National Organization for Rare Disorders. 2015 [cited 2023 Jun 3]. Available from: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/primary-biliary-cholangitis/
  • Rubio-Tapia A, Murray JA. Liver involvement in celiac disease. Minerva Med [Internet]. 2008;99(6):595–604. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19034257
  • Villalta D, Girolami D, Bidoli E, Bizzaro N, Tampoia M, Liguori M, et al. High prevalence of celiac disease in autoimmune hepatitis detected by anti-tissue tranglutaminase autoantibodies. J Clin Lab Anal [Internet]. 2005;19(1):6–10. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jcla.20047
  • Villavicencio Kim J, Wu GY. Celiac disease and elevated liver enzymes: A review. J Clin Transl Hepatol [Internet]. 2021;9(1):116–24. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.14218/JCTH.2020.00089
  • Zali MR, Rostami Nejad M, Rostami K, Alavian SM. Liver complications in celiac disease. Hepat Mon [Internet]. 2011;11(5):333–41. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22087157

Jejunitis, chronic

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Joint Pain

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Juvenile Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

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Juvenile Diabetes (Also called Type 1 Diabetes)

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Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

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Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

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Keratomalacia

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Kidney Stones

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Koilonychia

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Lactose Intolerance

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Laryngospasm

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Late Menarche

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Latent Anemia in Enzymopathies of Small Intestine (Lack of enzymes produced by villi)

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Leaky Gut Syndrome

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Leukopenia

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Little or no nail growth

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Liver Enzymes, Elevated

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  • High prevalence of celiac disease in autoimmune hepatitis [Internet]. Medscape. 2021 [cited 2023 Jun 3]. Available from: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/962118
  • Khan SA, Imran M, Ali Q, Malik MI. Celiac disease with autoimmune hemolytic anemia and autoimmune hepatitis in a young child: Case report and literature review. Clin Med Insights Pediatr [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2023 Jun 3];16:11795565221120564. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/11795565221120565
  • Liu JZ, Almarri MA, Gaffney DJ, Mells GF, Jostins L, Cordell HJ, et al. Dense fine-mapping study identifies new susceptibility loci for primary biliary cirrhosis. Nat Genet [Internet]. 2012;44(10):1137–41. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ng.2395
  • Primary Biliary Cholangitis [Internet]. National Organization for Rare Disorders. 2015 [cited 2023 Jun 3]. Available from: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/primary-biliary-cholangitis/
  • Rubio-Tapia A, Murray JA. Liver involvement in celiac disease. Minerva Med [Internet]. 2008;99(6):595–604. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19034257
  • Villalta D, Girolami D, Bidoli E, Bizzaro N, Tampoia M, Liguori M, et al. High prevalence of celiac disease in autoimmune hepatitis detected by anti-tissue tranglutaminase autoantibodies. J Clin Lab Anal [Internet]. 2005;19(1):6–10. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jcla.20047
  • Villavicencio Kim J, Wu GY. Celiac disease and elevated liver enzymes: A review. J Clin Transl Hepatol [Internet]. 2021;9(1):116–24. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.14218/JCTH.2020.00089
  • Zali MR, Rostami Nejad M, Rostami K, Alavian SM. Liver complications in celiac disease. Hepat Mon [Internet]. 2011;11(5):333–41. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22087157

Liver Enzymes, Elevated

References:

  • High prevalence of celiac disease in autoimmune hepatitis [Internet]. Medscape. 2021 [cited 2023 Jun 3]. Available from: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/962118
  • Khan SA, Imran M, Ali Q, Malik MI. Celiac disease with autoimmune hemolytic anemia and autoimmune hepatitis in a young child: Case report and literature review. Clin Med Insights Pediatr [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2023 Jun 3];16:11795565221120564. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/11795565221120565
  • Liu JZ, Almarri MA, Gaffney DJ, Mells GF, Jostins L, Cordell HJ, et al. Dense fine-mapping study identifies new susceptibility loci for primary biliary cirrhosis. Nat Genet [Internet]. 2012;44(10):1137–41. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ng.2395
  • Primary Biliary Cholangitis [Internet]. National Organization for Rare Disorders. 2015 [cited 2023 Jun 3]. Available from: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/primary-biliary-cholangitis/
  • Rubio-Tapia A, Murray JA. Liver involvement in celiac disease. Minerva Med [Internet]. 2008;99(6):595–604. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19034257
  • Villalta D, Girolami D, Bidoli E, Bizzaro N, Tampoia M, Liguori M, et al. High prevalence of celiac disease in autoimmune hepatitis detected by anti-tissue tranglutaminase autoantibodies. J Clin Lab Anal [Internet]. 2005;19(1):6–10. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jcla.20047
  • Villavicencio Kim J, Wu GY. Celiac disease and elevated liver enzymes: A review. J Clin Transl Hepatol [Internet]. 2021;9(1):116–24. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.14218/JCTH.2020.00089
  • Zali MR, Rostami Nejad M, Rostami K, Alavian SM. Liver complications in celiac disease. Hepat Mon [Internet]. 2011;11(5):333–41. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22087157

Loss of Immediate Memory

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Loss of Memory

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Loss of Vitality

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Low Blood Sugar

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Lung Cavities or Abcess

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Lymphadenopathy

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Lymphoma

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Macroamylasemia

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Macrocytosis

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Macrolipasemia

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Magnesium, Low

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Malabsorption of Nutrients

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Maltose Intolerance

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Megaloblastic anemia

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Melanoma

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Menopause – Early/Premature

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Mesenteric Lymph Node Cavitation

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Microcytic Anemia

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Migraine

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Miscarriage, Spontaneous

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Mortality, Increased Risk

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Multiple Sclerosis

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Muscle Pain and Tenderness

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Muscle Spasm and Cramps

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Muscle Wasting

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Muscle Weakness

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Myelopathy

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Nails with Rounded and Curved Down Ends, Dark, Dry

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Nails with Horizontal and Vertical Ridges/Fragile

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Nails with Splinter Hemorrhages

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Nails with White Spots

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Nails, Dry and brittle that chip, peel, crack or break easily

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Nausea

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Neuropathy

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Nervous System Disorders

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Neutropenia

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Nightblindness

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Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

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Non-Response to Tuberculosis Treatment

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Normochromic Normocytic Anemia

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Nosebleeds, Unexplained

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Nystagmus

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Obesity

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Occipital Calcification

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OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

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Ocularmotor Disorders

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Ocular Myopathy

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Ophtalmoplegia

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Oral Mucosal Lesions (Mouth lesions)

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Oropharyngeal Cancer

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Osteitis Fibrosa

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Osteomalacia

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Osteomalacic Myopathy

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Osteonecrosis

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Osteopenia

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Osteoporosis

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Pallor

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Pancreatic Insufficiency

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Pantothenic acid, low

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Papilledaema

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Parathyroid Carcinoma

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Paraplegia

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Parkinson Disease

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Pellagra

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Penicilllin V Impaired Absorption

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Peripheral Neuropathy, including Paresthesias

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Phosphorus, Low

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Pigmented Dermatitis

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Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris

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Plasma Proteins, Low

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Plummer-Vinson Syndrome

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Pneumococcal Septicemia

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Polymyositis

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Poor Wound Healing

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Post-cricoid Cancer

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Posterior Columns Syndrome

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Potassium, Low

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Premenstrual Syndrome

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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (Bile backs up in liver)

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Primary Hyperparathyroidism

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Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (Scarring of bile ducts in liver)

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Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

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Protein Deficiency (Dietary)

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