Celiac disease is a genetically based autoimmune condition that affects one in a hundred people across the globe. People can get celiac disease at any age from infancy well into senior adulthood. It is a condition where you develop intolerance to gluten- a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.
When someone with celiac disease consumes food which contains gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestines, damaging the intestinal villi—small, finger-like projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients from food. The condition manifests itself through symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, and less suspecting symptoms like chronic headaches, anemia and short stature.
Kids and Celiac Disease
When it comes to kids, celiac disease may occur as a result of a child’s genetics and exposure to a trigger. It can affect their growth and development. According to the Center for Celiac Research & Treatment, celiac disease has been diagnosed in children younger than 3 years old. A child who develops celiac disease inherits the risk from one or both parents and then develops the disease when exposed to the dietary trigger, gluten.
Kids who carry one or both celiac genes, called HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 are considered to be “at risk” of developing the condition. However, only a small percentage go on to develop the condition. Children with certain conditions and/or syndromes may be more at risk for developing celiac disease. Those include:
- A family member with celiac disease
- Down syndrome
- Type 1 diabetes
- Selective IgA deficiency
- Turner syndrome
- Williams syndrome
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
Symptoms of Celia Disease Depends on their Age
The symptoms are extremely variable and are influenced by age, affecting children in different ways.
Infants and Toddlers
Symptoms in very young children tend to be the most apparent, usually manifesting in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include:
- Abdominal distention
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Malnutrition
School-Age Children
Symptoms of celiac disease in school-going children include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Trouble gaining or losing weight
Older Children and Teens
Teenagers might show other symptoms not typical of celiac of disease, called “extra intestinal” or atypical symptoms. Those include:
- Delayed growth during puberty, or stunted growth
- Skin rashes
- Weight loss
- Bones or joints pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Chronic fatigue
- Iron deficiency
Children who are affected by celiac disease might also suffer from neurological symptoms including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities.
Symptoms related to children’s development of celiac disease can be easily misdiagnosed due to other conditions. There’s also the noting point that there is a spectrum of gluten sensitivity problems. Many people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which means they have gluten-related health issues without having celiac disease. Symptoms can be similar to celiac disease, but less severe.
Managing Celiac Disease in Kids
The only available treatment for celiac disease is a completely gluten-free lifestyle. It is very important to test your child for celiac disease at the very first signs, or if the condition runs in your family. A blood test can determine if gluten antibodies are present.
To reduce the risk of serious complications, it’s important that a child with celiac disease be on a completely gluten-free regimen as soon as possible after diagnosis.
If a child has celiac disease, he/she should avoid foods containing wheat, rye, and barley. Parent’s awareness on celiac disease also plays a critical role in the early detection of this disease. They need to be mindful about what their child is eating. You should limit cross-contamination—even crumbs containing gluten can lead to symptoms and intestinal inflammation.
More ways to manage celiac disease in your child include:
- Avoid eating food containing gluten, i.e. wheat, barley, rye.
- Include naturally gluten-free grains and starches. Common forms are rice, corn, and potato.
- At the same time, include a variety of foods that are naturally gluten-free and safe. These include fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, unprocessed meats, poultry, fish, beans, nuts, oils, and sugar.
- Read labels carefully on all foods and products, paying close attention to additives, such as stabilizers or emulsifiers, that might contain gluten. Opt for grains, flours, and starches labelled “gluten-free”.
- Keep in mind that gluten-free diet could mean loss of essential nutrients. Whole grains are good sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals but might contain gluten that may need to be supplemented in other ways.
Monitor your child after starting treatment. Most children begin to feel better within a few weeks. Follow up with your pediatrician for routine checkup or further treatment.
