Celiac Disease
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system, specifically the small intestine. It is estimated that 1 in 100 children worldwide suffer from this disease. Celiac disease is characterized by an abnormal immune response to a protein called gluten (found in wheat, rye, and barley). This condition has other medical terms such as celiac sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy, and non-tropical sprue. It causes damage to the small intestine's lining and makes nutrient absorption challenging. As a result, children with celiac disease may be deprived of the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. Therefore, lifelong care is needed for the condition. Left untreated might result in delayed growth, thin bones, and fractures. However, there are methods to control symptoms and stop intestinal damage.
Symptoms in Children/ Babies?
Some kids have no symptoms at all. A child can experience symptoms at any point in their lives. While some children face issues after consuming gluten for the first time, others experience symptoms years after. Failure to grow is when infants do not gain weight or length as expected. Over time, a child may not grow to the expected height, develop behavioral problems, and suffer from anemia and mouth sores.
Causes
Gluten makes the immune system attack villi, causing celiac disease. The small intestine's finger-like projections, known as villi (VIL-eye), are responsible for absorbing nutrients from food and sending them to the blood. Damaged villi cannot absorb the vitamins and minerals necessary for a child's growth. There is no known cause of celiac disease. However, because it runs in families, a youngster with a history of the condition is likelier to have it. Moreover, it may coexist with other conditions such as type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, and autoimmune thyroid disorders.
Treatment of Child Celiac Disease:
The only treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet. This means that your child will need to avoid all foods and products that contain wheat, barley, and rye. This includes bread, pasta, cereal, and many processed foods. Your doctor may also recommend that your child avoid oats, as they may be contaminated with gluten during processing.
It is important to work with a dietitian to ensure that your child is getting all of the necessary nutrients while following a gluten-free diet. Your dietitian can help you identify safe and unsafe foods, plan balanced meals, and recommend vitamin and mineral supplements if necessary.
When Must You Visit A Doctor?
Screening your child for celiac disease at the first sign of symptoms is important. Today, severe childhood celiac disease cases are extremely uncommon. Severe cases can include intussusception, very low blood pressure, chronic tiredness, and electrolyte imbalance. Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to ensure the child receives proper treatment, depending on the child's age.
Kindly make an appointment with us at 02 8069 2127.
Contact Us NOW