Coeliac disease in a autoimmune disorder that affects 1 in 100 youngsters in the UK. However, the majority of children suffering from the condition are still undiagnosed. With symptoms like sluggish growth, nausea, bloating, and excessive fatigue, it’s simple to mistake for other juvenile illnesses. If your child fits that description, continue reading to learn more and discover what to do next.
The condition can occur at any age and is treated with a lifelong gluten free diet, which means cutting out staples such as bread, pasta, cereal, gravy, and more for gluten-free alternatives.
Other than the symptoms listed above, other things to keep an eye out for include:
- Severe mouth ulcers
- Low levels of nutrients like iron, vitamin B12 or folate
In recent years, the number of people affected by coeliac disease, wheat allergy or gluten or wheat sensitivity has risen sharply.
Parents often get confused between a food allergy and food intolerance. Food intolerance is simply when the body cannot properly digest the food and irritates the digestive system causing various symptoms such as nausea, bloating, loose stools, and tiredness. With food allergy, the body’s immune system attacks the food causing histamine to be released in the body. The reactions can lead to various symptoms such as hives, itching, eczema, throat tightness, abdominal pain, and vomiting.