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Celiac Disease in Children

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition where the ingestion of gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine lining. This damage interferes with the absorption of nutrients, leading to a range of digestive and systemic symptoms, especially in growing children.

 Who is Affected?

Celiac disease can develop at any age after gluten is introduced into the diet, but it often begins in early childhood. If left untreated, it can lead to growth delays, malnutrition, and other serious health complications.

 Common Signs and Symptoms in Children

Symptoms may vary by age:

In Infants and Toddlers:

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
   
• Abdominal bloating and pain
   
• Poor weight gain or failure to thrive
   
• Irritability or fussiness
   

In Older Children:

• Fatigue
   
• Nausea or vomiting
   
• Delayed puberty
   
• Skin rash (Dermatitis herpetiformis)
   
• Anemia (iron-deficiency not responding to treatment)
   
• Behavioral issues or learning difficulties
   

 Causes and Risk Factors

Celiac disease is genetically predisposed. A child is more likely to develop it if:

• A first-degree relative (parent/sibling) has celiac disease
   
• There is a personal or family history of other autoimmune diseases (like Type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease)
   
• The child has Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, or Williams syndrome
   

 Diagnosis

Celiac disease is diagnosed through:

1. Blood tests – to check for specific antibodies (like tTG-IgA)
    
2. Genetic testing – to detect HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes
    
3. Endoscopy with biopsy – to confirm damage to the intestinal lining
    

Note: It is important that the child is on a gluten-containing diet during testing for accurate results.

 Management and Treatment

There is no cure, but the condition is effectively managed through:

• A strict lifelong gluten-free diet
   
• Regular follow-ups for growth and nutritional monitoring
   
• Nutritional counseling to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake
   
• Emotional and psychological support (especially in older children coping with dietary restrictions)
   

 Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Timely identification and treatment can help:

• Restore normal growth and development
   
• Prevent long-term complications like osteoporosis, delayed puberty, infertility, and intestinal cancers
   
• Improve quality of life and school performance
   

 Expert Care with a Child-Friendly Approach

As a specialist in pediatric gastroenterology, I offer:

• Accurate diagnosis using advanced, child-friendly techniques
   
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to your child’s nutritional and emotional needs
   

• Guidance for families on gluten-free living, label reading, and meal planning