Celiac Disease is an autoimmune condition caused by a permanent intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. When individuals with Celiac Disease consume gluten, it triggers an immune response that damages the villi in the small intestine, leading to various health issues due to nutrient malabsorption. Though it is a lifelong condition, Celiac Disease can be effectively managed through a gluten-free diet.
For children with Celiac Disease, consuming gluten results in damage to the small intestine's villi. While it requires permanent dietary changes, many nutritious and tasty foods, including fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, poultry, and even snacks can be safely included in a gluten-free diet. And with the additional options now available in most grocery stores, finding gluten-free foods is easier than ever.
Understanding Pediatric Celiac Disease
Variants of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
There exist two primary forms of inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Ulcerative colitis predominantly induces inflammation in the large intestine (colon), while Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract, encompassing areas like the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon. Most patients diagnosed with Crohn’s disease exhibit inflammation in the terminal ileum (the last part of the small intestine) and the large intestine. Some individuals may receive a diagnosis of indeterminate colitis, characterized by features aligning with both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis without clear differentiation. The unique subset of very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEOIBD) pertains to children under six years old, showcasing varied disease presentations that necessitate comprehensive evaluation for potential alternative causes.
Children at Higher Risk of Developing Celiac Disease include those with:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Down syndrome
- Turner syndrome
- Williams syndrome
- Family history of Celiac Disease
Could My Child Have Celiac Disease?
Children can exhibit a range of symptoms, which may begin anytime after they start eating gluten-containing foods. Symptoms vary widely, and some children may show no symptoms at all, making early diagnosis challenging.
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Vomiting
- Bloating and gas
- Irritability
- Decreased appetite and poor weight gain
- Growth and pubertal delay
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Fatigue
- Bone fractures or thin bones
- Decreased muscle mass
- Damage to tooth enamel
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
If you notice these symptoms in your child, consult your pediatrician immediately for evaluation.
Diagnosis typically starts with blood tests, including the anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG) and the anti-endomysial antibody (EMA) tests, which are reliable indicators of Celiac Disease. To confirm the diagnosis, an endoscopy with biopsy is performed to examine the villi in the small intestine for damage.
The good news is that Celiac Disease is manageable. Removing gluten from the diet results in symptom improvement within one to two weeks. Full recovery of the intestinal lining can take six to twelve months. However, lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet is necessary to prevent further damage.
Initially, the gluten-free diet may seem restrictive, but many gluten-free options are available. Consulting a dietitian and joining support groups can provide valuable guidance, tips, and recipes. Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers ensure that your child remains healthy and thriving.
Managing Life with Celiac Disease
Having a child with Celiac Disease will require lifestyle adjustments within the family unit. Help calm your child’s fears of consuming gluten by ensuring they have food and snacks with them when they go to school, birthday parties and friends houses so they don’t feel isolated from social events and outings. Seek support from dietitians and counselors to help cope with these challenges.
For further details, we recommend visiting
https://gikids.org/celiac-disease/