Gavini Pediatrics - Celiac Disease

Gavini Pediatric & ADHD Clinics 26850 Providence Parkway, Suite 300, Novi, MI 48374 :: 248.348.4200 www.ADHDclinic.com :: www.YourKidsDoctor.com
Breads contain wheat, rye, or barley (gluten) However, there are now gluten free breads available. What is Celiac Disease A digestive condition caused by the consumption of the protein, gluten. Gluten is found in foods that contain rye, wheat, or barley. Individuals with celiac disease who consume gluten will have an immune reaction in their small intestine. This reaction causes damage to the small intestine and reduces the ability to absorb certain nutrients. If left untreated, celiac disease can cause decreased absorption of nutrients. This then causes vitamin deficiencies that affect the brain, bones, liver, peripheral nervous system, and other vital organs. Celiac disease has no cure, but is a condition that can be managed through diet.
Signs and Symptoms Celiac disease doesn't have typical signs or symptoms, however common complaints are usually: Bloating Intermittent diarrhea Abdominal pain It is possible for persons with celiac disease to not have any gastrointestinal symptoms. The symptoms of celiac disease in this case can then mimic the symptoms of other conditions like Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, parasite infections, gastric ulcers, and anemia. Some symptoms of Celiac disease may be presented in less obvious ways such as: Joint pain Anemia Mouth sores Skin rash Irritability Depression Tingling in the legs and feet Muscle cramps Upset stomach Other signs of celiac disease to look for come from the malnutrition caused by the disease and are as follows: Osteoporosis Diarrhea General fatigue and weakness Weight Loss Foul-smelling or grayish stools that may be oily or fatty Stunted growth in children
Dermatitis Herpetiformis This is another gluten related condition. It is a skin disease that is blistering and itchy that typically forms a rash around the buttocks, torso and scalp. Like celiac disease, Dermatitis Herpetiformis can also cause damage to the lining of the small intestine. This disease is treated with medicine for the rash and a gluten free diet.
When to see your doctor If you experience any of the symptoms or signs above and they worry you, make an appointment with your doctor. If you have any family members who have celiac disease, consult your doctor to find out if you may be at risk for the disease, as celiac disease tends to run in families.
What Causes Celiac Disease? What causes celiac disease is unclear. Doctors have found that is runs in families, which is why testing is encouraged among the family members of a diagnosed individual. Celiac Disease is found to be more common in people who have: Down syndrome, type 1 diabetes, microscopic colitis, and autoimmune thyroid disease.
Complications of Celiac Disease Cancer Loss of calcium and bone density Neurological complications Malnutrition Lactose intolerance
Treatment Treatment consists of changing the persons diet to be gluten free. If you think you may have celiac disease, wait before trying a gluten-free diet as it can affect the accuracy of the blood tests done to check for celiac disease. Your doctor may refer you to a nutritionist to help you develop a healthy and sustainable gluten-free diet. In severe cases, your doctor may give you an injection of steroids to reduce the inflammation in your small intestine, and to help give some relief until the effects of the new diet have become evident. Some starches and grains are allowed in a gluten free diet such as: corn, rice, tapioca, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, cornmeal, arrowroot, gluten-free flours (rice, soy, corn, potato, bean).