Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease also known as celiac sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy, and non-tropical sprue is an autoimmune disorder caused by an intolerance to gluten (protein found in wheat, rye, and barley). Exposure to gluten damages villi, the finger-like projections in the small intestine. When the villi are damaged, the body doesn’t absorb nutrients and the child becomes malnourished. Older kids can have diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating, weight loss, fatigue, or skin rash. Celiac disease tends to run in families, so if there is a family history of celiac disease, a child may have a higher risk of developing it.

Diagnosing celiac disease usually begins with a blood test – serum tissue transglutaminase (TTG). High levels of these antibodies alone are not sufficient to make the diagnosis. An upper GI Endoscopy with biopsy of the small intestine is mandatory in most cases to confirm the diagnosis.

Wheat, barley, rye, and related food items should be eliminated from the child’s diet. There are several myths associated with this disease hence proper and regular counselling of parents is very important in the management. Since this is a lifelong disorder, proper diagnosis is crucial and child should remain in constant follow up with a Pediatric Gastroenterologist.