Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a genetic digestive disease that occurs due to the body's inability to absorb gluten, which causes small intestine damage and interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food. Celiac disease can go undetected and affects people differently so to confirm diagnosis the child needs a blood test that looks for higher levels of a specific antibody. If the antibody level is high, an endoscopy is performed to review the biopsy of the small intestine. Damage to the part of the small intestine that absorbs food (the villi) confirms diagnosis.
Some common symptoms for celiac disease include:
- Gas
- Recurring abdominal bloating and pain
- Chronic diarrhea
- Constipation
- Pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stool
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Fatigue
Once diagnosed by a gastroenterologist, the patient is then referred to a nutritionist who teaches the family on how to avoid the foods that cause celiac disease. Gluten is in many products and even though elimination of gluten from the diet is sometimes difficult, the child will notice significant improvements.
Gluten is found in the following foods:
- Wheat
- Rye
- Barley
- Bagels
- Bread
- Cookies, cakes, and most baked goods
- Crackers
- Pasta
- Pretzels
- Pizza
Learn about celiac disease by visiting The Celiac Disease Foundation.