Celiac disease symptoms in children and teens can present differently than in adults. Learn about the symptoms of childhood celiac disease here.
Celiac is a prevalent disease that can present in a variety of ways. For example, it tends to present differently in kids and teens than in adults. If you want to know about the common celiac symptoms in children and teens, read on—we go over what you need to know about childhood celiac disease below.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to react inappropriately to gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat and barley. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their body overreacts and damages the intestinal villi, small vascular projections in the small intestines. Over time, this damage can make it difficult for the body to absorb essential nutrients and lead to malnutrition.
But how do you tell if your child has celiac disease? Start by looking for some common celiac disease symptoms in children and teens. A young child with celiac disease may gain weight slowly starting at six months of age; they may also have gastrointestinal issues like gas and diarrhea. Older kids and teens tend to have more classic indicators of the disease, like stomach pain, vomiting, skin rashes, poor growth, anemia, and bone problems.
To determine if your child has celiac disease, you need to test for it. You can do this at the doctor's office or at home with a test kit. A genetic test will check for HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes. An antibody test will check for IgA and IgG antibodies in the blood. If your child has one or both genes and gluten-related antibodies in their blood, there's a high chance they have celiac disease.
Currently, the only effective treatment for celiac disease is switching to a gluten-free diet. While it may be a difficult transition for your child, going gluten-free will make them healthier and happier in the long run.
If you want to test for celiac disease at home, RxHomeTest has the tools you need. Use our celiac genetic test at home to check for the presence of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes. A healthcare professional examines the results and returns them quickly in an easy-to-understand format. Pick up your kit today for quick, easy, and accurate testing.
Celiac – FAQs - key facts about gluten intolerance.
The Differences Between Genetic and Antibody Celiac Tests - a summary of key differences.
Celiac Disease vs. Gluten Intolerance vs. Wheat Allergy: What's the Difference - a few key differences.
Early Warning Signs for Celiac Disease To Look Out For - a summary of key symptoms.
Debunking the Top 5 Celiac Disease Myths - learn how to separate the facts from fiction.
What is Celiac? History, Present and Genetic Risk - a detailed look at celiac.
How to Read a Celiac Genetic Test Report? - makes it simple, easy to understand your results.
Sensitivity to Food – Allergy, Intolerance, and Celiac Disease - a comprehensive review.
Food Allergies vs Food Sensitivities: What’s the Difference? - a few simple steps to differentiate.
Food Allergies in Children - a short summary.
