Celiac sprue or IBS

Dear Ask The Doctor: I am having cramps, epigastircpain, diarrea, constipation, major weight loss, and depression. Do I have celiac disease?

Dear Carla:

I understand your concern about GI disorders. Let me reassure you that the symptoms that you have might not necessary be caused by Celiac Disease, they are very common in various conditions.

I will start by having a more detailed history of your symptoms; the time when they started would be helpful as well as relation to other conditions and family history of autoimmune disease, the latter due to its relation with Celiac Disease.

Other condition that might explain your symptoms could be Irritable Bowel Syndrome; this condition is related to stress, anxiety and depression would explain your symptoms if they are recent. In any case, I would suggest you to have blood work.  A simple CBC could lead your doctor on the right path to diagnose your condition. Since you report weight loss, a test to measure your digestive enzymes might also be helpful to rule out Celiac Sprue. I wish you a prompt recovery.