Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that affects people who are unable to properly digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

According to recent research, children with celiac disease are diagnosed twice as often as they were 20 years ago. In this article, we take a closer look at this increase in diagnosis rates and what it means for children with this condition.

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in people who are unable to properly digest gluten.

When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system responds by attacking the small intestine, which can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Over time, this damage to the small intestine can lead to malnutrition and other serious health problems.

Why are children being diagnosed more often?

There are a number of factors that may be contributing to the increase in diagnosis rates of celiac disease in children.

One of the main reasons is that doctors are becoming better at recognizing the symptoms of the condition and are more likely to order tests to confirm a diagnosis. Additionally, there is greater awareness of celiac disease among the general public, which may be leading more parents to seek out testing for their children if they suspect they may have the condition.

Another important factor is that people are simply eating more gluten than ever before.

In recent years, there has been a trend towards consuming more processed foods and foods that contain wheat, barley, and rye, all of which are major sources of gluten. This increased consumption of gluten may be contributing to the rise in celiac disease diagnoses.

What are the symptoms of celiac disease in children?

The symptoms of celiac disease can vary widely from person to person, and children may experience different symptoms than adults. Some common symptoms of celiac disease in children include:.

Abdominal pain and bloating
Diarrhea or constipation
Chronic fatigue and weakness
Lack of appetite or weight loss
Irritability and mood changes
Skin rash or other allergy symptoms

How is celiac disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing celiac disease typically involves a combination of blood tests and intestinal biopsy.

Blood tests can reveal the presence of certain antibodies that are associated with the condition, while an intestinal biopsy can confirm the presence of damage to the small intestine. It is important to note that people with celiac disease must continue to eat gluten for the biopsy to be accurate, so it is important not to begin a gluten-free diet before being tested.

What is the treatment for celiac disease?

The only effective treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all foods that contain wheat, barley, and rye, as well as any foods that may be contaminated with gluten.

For many people, this can be a challenging lifestyle change, but it is essential to prevent further damage to the small intestine and reduce the risk of long-term health problems.

What are the long-term effects of celiac disease in children?

If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to a range of serious health problems, including malnutrition, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

In children, the condition can also interfere with growth and development, which can lead to long-term health problems if not addressed early on. However, with proper treatment and a gluten-free diet, most people with celiac disease are able to lead healthy, active lives.

Conclusion

As awareness of celiac disease increases, more children are being diagnosed with the condition.

While a diagnosis can be overwhelming, it is important to remember that a gluten-free diet is an effective treatment for the condition, and with proper management, most people with celiac disease are able to live normal, healthy lives.