Celiac Disease in Children
What Is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the digestive system. It can affect children and adults. When someone with celiac disease eats foods containing a protein called gluten, their immune system reacts abnormally, causing damage to the small intestine. This damage interferes with the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, which can lead to a range of health issues.
If you suspect or know that your child has celiac disease, RWJBarnabas Health’s nationally recognized Pediatric Celiac Disease Center experts can help. We diagnose and treat children and teens, help heal their gut issues, and teach them how to manage their condition to maintain a great quality of life.
Visit the Pediatric Celiac Disease Center
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It is commonly found in breads, pastas, cereals, baked goods and many processed foods. For individuals with celiac disease, even small amounts of gluten can cause serious health problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Celiac disease can look different in every child, and symptoms can vary widely. Some children may have obvious digestive symptoms, while others may experience symptoms that seem unrelated to the gut. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Vomiting
- Poor appetite or weight loss
- Delayed growth and development
- Poor weight and/or height gain
- Fatigue and low energy
- Anemia (low iron levels)
- Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Dental enamel defects
- Behavioral changes, including irritability or mood swings
It’s important to note that not every child will experience all these symptoms. In some cases, children may not show any noticeable signs, even if their small intestine is affected.
Testing for Celiac Disease
Initially, a blood test is ordered to determine if antibodies against gluten are being produced. High levels of antibodies show increased immune reaction and a strong likelihood for celiac disease. If celiac disease is suspected, your gastroenterologist will order an endoscopy – a short, minimally invasive procedure usually done on an outpatient basis. During the endoscopy, a small biopsy, or tissue sample, will be taken of small structures call the villi on the wall of the small intestine.
Managing Celiac Disease in Children
Eliminating gluten from a child’s diet is the only way to control celiac disease. Celiac disease is a lifelong condition, but with proper management, it should not stop your child from enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle. Family involvement is key to helping a child adapt to their new diet.
The video below offers tips for managing celiac in school.
The RWJBarnabas Health Pediatric Celiac Center
In addition to diagnosing celiac, qualified health care professionals at our Pediatric Celiac Disease Center can provide a wealth of information and resources to children and their families about how to identify gluten in foods, how to cook gluten-free foods, and how to manage food issues related to school and social situations. Our supportive, caring team includes gastroenterologists, nurses, dietitians and therapists who can help your child thrive on a gluten-free diet.
Concerned About Your Child?
If your child is showing symptoms of celiac disease or has a family history of the condition, our specialists can help. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing this condition and ensuring your child’s health and well-being. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
EBC Radio Interview About Celiac Disease
Listen as Ashwin Agrawal, DO, MBA, FAAP explains what celiac disease is, how to test for it, and what resources are available to help children and families manage the disease.