Important Facts About Celiac Disease in Children

Introduction

Celiac disease  is a condition which  can affect children's health and well-being. In India, every 1 in 96 children is affected with Celiac disease. It can be easily diagnosed using a few simple tests, if your pediatrician suspects it in a child. However, if not detected in time, it might affect growth and development of children and might lead to long term effects too.

 In this blog, we'll explore some important facts about celiac disease  in children to help parents and caregivers better understand this condition.

1. Celiac Disease is an Autoimmune Disorder

Celiac disease is not an allergy; it is an autoimmune disorder. When children with celiac disease consume gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, their immune system mistakenly attacks their own small intestine, causing damage and various symptoms.

2.  Common Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Children with celiac disease may experience a wide range of symptoms, including persistent abdominal pain, long standing diarrhea, constipation, anemia ,  fatigue, growth problems, and skin rashes. A classical case would be a child who was growing well initially but started having diarrhea and lagging in growth once wheat was introduced into his diet.

Some children may have no noticeable symptoms at all other than poor growth and short height. If a child goes undiagnosed till teenage, they might manifest with delayed puberty.

3. Diagnosis Requires Medical Evaluation

Celiac disease requires a medical diagnosis. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests and in some cases, an endoscopy to confirm celiac disease.
If a child is having frequent tummy aches, diarrhoea and anemia alongwith poor growth, pediatrician will advise a test called TTG. This is a test for antibodies against wheat protein, responsible for causing celiac disease. 
In many cases, if TTG report is positive, an endoscopy of intestines is done to confirm the diagnosis.

4. Gluten-Free Diet for Celiac Disease

The primary treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all sources of gluten, including wheat, , maida, sooji , rye, barley, and foods that may contain hidden gluten. 
Check for GLUTEN FREE LABEL before ordering anything for a child with celiac disease. Sometimes even traces of gluten might hamper the child's growth. 
However, there are no restrictions on consumption of rice, millets, maize, pulses, nuts, seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as dairy,  fish and poultry.

You can download gluten free meal plan from this link 
https://dranuradhabansal.com/Diet-Chart-For-Healthy-Baby/Kids-Diet-Chart-Celiac-Disease-and-Wheat-Alergy-
Or
Contact Dr Anuradha Bansal for a customised meal plan

5. Cross-Contamination is a Concern

For children with celiac disease, cross-contamination is a significant concern. It's crucial to ensure that utensils, cooking surfaces, and food items do not come into contact with gluten-containing products. 
Also, if a food product is manufactured or processed in same unit that deals in wheat, it can cause symptoms. 

Support and Education are Key

Celiac disease can be challenging for children and their families to manage. Seek support from healthcare professionals, dietitians, and support groups specializing in these conditions. Education is essential for successfully managing these conditions and ensuring a healthy, happy childhood for affected children.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of celiac disease might come as a shock for both parents and the child. However, with proper management and support, children with these conditions can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.