Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barely, rye and occasionally oats. It causes your body to attack itself which leads to inflammation in the lining of the small intestines. About 1% of the world’s population has celiac disease and it is estimated that about 80% of cases are not yet diagnosed. It is more common in females than males. There are certain populations who are at increased risk which includes kids with:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Down syndrome
- Turner syndrome
- Williams syndrome
- A relative with celiac disease
Symptoms
Diagnosis
When a child has symptoms concerning for celiac disease, a blood test can be preformed that is used as a screening tool to help us decide if they may have celiac disease. If that blood test is positive, the diagnosis is then confirmed by an upper endoscopy, which is the gold standard for diagnosing celiac disease. Celiac disease is a patchy illness, so it is important that multiple biopsies are obtained in the small intestine to ensure proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Gluten-free tips
Helpful if the whole household is gluten free to prevent any cross contamination. Otherwise, it is helpful to have separate cooking utensils such as pots and pans. It may also be helpful to have a separate toaster.
It is important when going out to eat, that you also ask these questions as some restaurants still cook on the same surfaces.
Your Pediatric Team at PB Digestive
Sari M. Kay, MD is a board-certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist. She has a specialties and expertise in treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, constipation, infant reflux, and functional GI disorders.
Laura E. Irastorza, MD is a board-certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist. She has expertise in treating patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, constipation, reflux, and functional GI disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
