Kids often suffer from bellyaches. While sometimes they may be nothing serious, it may not be the case always. As parents, you need to determine if your child’s stomachache is not concerning or is a chronic condition with an underlying condition. One such chronic disorder is celiac disease. It is a digestive condition in which the small intestines become inflamed due to the intake of gluten-based food.
It is very important to understand celiac disease because if left untreated, it will hinder growth, cause bone issues, and may even turn into a fatal disease like cancer.
Understanding Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder. It is a genetic condition, and if someone in your family has it, it puts the children at risk. People having celiac disease are intolerant to gluten, and their intestines can be damaged along with other discomfort and other digestive problems.
If your child has celiac disease, their immune system considers gluten to be a threat. It produces antibodies to fight gluten, and in the process, the intestinal lining is damaged. There are tissues called villi in the intestine, which are flattened by the antibodies. This, in turn, hampers the absorption of nutrients.
Celiac Disease Risk Factors
Usually, children have a genetic predisposition for celiac disease. However, its onset can happen at any age- from infants to old age, the conditions can present at any point.
So, if someone in the family has it, it implies others in the family may have it too. This includes the first-degree relatives, i.e., the siblings and parents. There are two genes in the body associated with the disorder. These include HLA-DQ8 and HLA-DQ2. If you carry these genes, it puts you at risk and makes it important to get tested. While everyone carrying these genes may not have celiac disease, the risk is there.
Celiac Disease Symptoms in Children
The symptoms of celiac disease may vary as it can impact literally any part of the body. Children having this disorder may often suffer from abdominal pain or diarrhea. Other common symptoms include bloating, foul-smelling stools, vomiting, constipation etc. They may also have liver, skin, dental or neurological disorders.
Celiac disease is highly concerning in children since it impacts the absorption of nutrients that are important for growth and overall well-being. Kids may end up with various kinds of deficiencies, including vitamin D or iron. Other problems that may arise include delay in puberty, damage to the teeth enamel, growth delays and short stature, skin problems like rashes or blisters, and liver issues.
So, if someone in your family, like an older sibling or one of the parents, is suffering from this condition, it is important to monitor the younger kids regularly. Even if they do not show any symptoms, keeping a check is important as the condition may appear at any stage in life.
Celiac Disease Diagnosis
Diagnosing celiac disease can often be tricky. This is because the symptoms are sometimes similar to diseases like inflammatory bowel.
Usually, your physician may begin the exam by taking the child’s history. This includes an account of their symptoms and if someone in the family has the disorder or any other autoimmune disorder. They may physically examine your child for rashes or any other issues like blisters or signs of any deficiency.
Diagnostic tests may then be carried out for further investigation. You can first get a celiac disease test to confirm your suspicion. This can be followed by a blood test to identify if the antibodies associated with celiac disorder are present in the blood.
If the blood test reveals raised levels of antibodies or suggests celiac disease, you must then get a biopsy. In this process, a small tissue of the small intestine is extracted to test for any damage to the villi.
Treating Celiac Disease
Celiac disease can be managed by going gluten-free. This means that all kinds of food having gluten in it must be removed from your child’s diet. By doing this, you may notice a great improvement in their condition.
It is important to note that gluten is usually present in a lot of foods, many of which are tempting for kids. It is, hence, important to counsel your child, inform their school, and work with a healthcare specialist for successful management. Ensure that your child does not succumb to peer pressure and end up eating food that puts their health at risk.
Conclusion
Finding out that your child has celiac disease or is at risk can be disheartening. However, with proper care and support, you can help them lead a normal, healthy, and happy life. It is important to inform their school, nursing staff, caregivers, or other people around them about their children and request their support.
Guide your kids not to accept food with gluten in it. While it can be challenging for younger kids and infants, the older kids can participate in their condition management actively. Things will get easy over time! With the right care, guidance, and support, children with celiac disease can lead a normal life easily.
