Celiac disease is a hypersensitivity to gluten. Also called celiac sprue, nontroptical sprue, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy, celiac disease is characterized by an extreme immune system response to the consumption of gluten. The immune system reacts by attacking the cells of the small intestines.
Though celiac disease may not be diagnosed until adulthood, it is often diagnosed during infancy and adulthood. Common symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal pain and diarrhea. Celiac disease in children often causes irritability.
An infant with celiac disease may have normal digestion and growth until food containing gluten is introduced to the infant's diet. The infant may react by having diarrhea, a distended abdomen, projectile vomiting, and irritability. The infant may stop gaining weight.
Children with celiac disease may have poor appetite and poor growth. The symptoms of celiac disease may temporarily subside during adolescence and become problematic again in early adulthood.
The treatment for celiac disease is following a gluten-free diet. When a child has celiac disease, it is usually beneficial for the entire family to follow a gluten-free diet. This prevents gluten-containing food from being in the child's environment and saves the parents from having to tell the child they cannot have certain foods.
Some parents of children with celiac disease experience anxiety about the child attending school. While attending school, the child is likely to come in contact with food that contains gluten in the school cafeteria and perhaps during student birthday celebrations or snack time.
The parents should discuss the child's need for a gluten-free diet and the diagnosis of celiac disease with the school nurse, dietitian, and the child's teacher. Some parents often find it helpful to discuss the child's needs with the principal. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), schools must provide children with celiac disease gluten-free food.
Following a gluten-free diet throughout the child's lifetime is imperative for limiting the damage to the small intestines. Foods that contain rye, wheat, or barley contain gluten. Other foods not associated with these grains may also contain gluten.
Parents can gradually increase the child's responsibility in following a gluten-free diet. As the child grows, the child can learn about celiac disease, which foods to avoid, how to read a food label, and to make healthy food choices.
Related posts:
- What Is Celiac Disease?
- Cause and Symptoms of Celiac Disease
- What Foods Are On A Diet For Celiac Disease?
- How to Fight Gluten Allergy
- How To Use Allergy Medicine For Children
Posted under Allergies
