A child who avoids food, complains of stomach pain, or struggles to gain weight may be dealing with more than a picky appetite. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that many people associate with adults; however, children are just as vulnerable. This condition damages the small intestine when gluten is consumed, and gluten is everywhere as a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Undiagnosed celiac disease disrupts nutrient absorption, which affects a child’s growth, energy, and overall health.
Common Symptoms in Children
Celiac disease is challenging to spot early because it does not look the same in every child. Some struggle with ongoing digestive problems like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, vomiting, or stomach pain that lingers despite dietary adjustments. Others exhibit signs that have nothing to do with the digestive tract, such as fatigue, irritability, poor weight gain, or slowed growth.
In many cases, there are no obvious digestive symptoms. A child might experience frequent headaches, itchy rashes, or low iron levels that persist despite treatment. When seemingly minor, unexplained health issues pile up, especially when there is a family history of autoimmune disease, celiac disease is on the list of possibilities.
When to Seek Testing
Children with a parent or sibling diagnosed with celiac disease are more likely to develop it. Other risk factors include type 1 diabetes, thyroid disorders, and genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. When symptoms linger or worsen, schedule an appointment with a pediatric gastroenterologist. These specialists possess the expertise to identify patterns that a general pediatric examination might overlook.
The first step in diagnosis is a blood test known as tTG-IgA, which detects antibodies associated with gluten-induced damage. If this test is positive, doctors recommend an endoscopic biopsy of the small intestine. This procedure confirms the diagnosis and evaluates the extent of intestinal injury. Children need to continue eating gluten until all tests are completed because removing it early may interfere with accurate results.
Managing Celiac Disease in Kids
The only proven treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet. Helping a child adjust to a gluten-free lifestyle takes practice, but it is easier when the whole family learns together. Reading ingredient labels will become second nature, and bringing children into the process, whether by planning meals, picking groceries, or helping in the kitchen, gives them a sense of control and confidence about what they eat.
Support from a pediatric dietitian during this transition helps parents prepare meals that have the necessary nutrients for growth while remaining completely free of gluten. Communication with schools and caregivers is just as important. Teachers, relatives, and after-school programs need to know how to prevent cross-contamination and what foods are off-limits. A united approach ensures that children are safe both at home and outside it.
Children diagnosed with celiac disease lead healthy and active lives when their condition is managed correctly. Awareness and early testing prevent years of unnecessary discomfort. If you suspect celiac disease, contact GI Alliance pediatric gastroenterologists for expert evaluation and ongoing care. With the proper guidance, your child will thrive on a gluten-free lifestyle.
