Pediatric celiac disease diagnosis and treatment in Illinois and Indiana

Pediatric Celiac Disease Care

Childhood reactions to food are common, and most aren’t dangerous. But if your child has an adverse response to eating bread, pasta, and other grains, it’s important to test for celiac disease. Our board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists provide expert diagnosis and lifelong management. Call (708) 581-4911 or make an appointment online today at any of our five area locations.

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What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by an intolerance to gluten. When your child consumes gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and foods contaminated with these grains, the body attacks itself and damages the lining of the intestines. This damage interferes with the intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients, which can affect a child’s growth, energy, and overall health over time.

What Are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease in Children?

Celiac disease affects children differently depending on their age.

Babies and Toddlers

Children typically begin eating solid food around six months of age. Those with celiac disease often don’t grow as well as their unaffected peers and are more likely to experience diarrhea and gas.

Older Children and Teens

Kids and teens with celiac disease frequently experience abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. The condition can also delay growth during puberty and cause skin rashes, anemia, elevated liver function tests, and osteoporosis.

How Is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?

Our pediatric gastroenterologists diagnose celiac disease by reviewing your child’s medical history and symptoms and performing a physical exam. Blood tests help confirm the diagnosis. In many cases, an endoscopy with biopsy is used to examine changes to the villi that line the small intestine. During this procedure, a flexible, tube-like instrument allows the doctor to view the intestine and obtain small tissue samples. Learn more about what to expect during a pediatric colonoscopy or endoscopy.

How Is Celiac Disease Treated?

Currently, the only treatment for celiac disease is the lifelong avoidance of products that contain gluten, including:

  • Bread
  • Cereal
  • Cakes and cookies
  • Pizza

Because cross-contamination is common, it’s important to be mindful of what and where your child eats. Many medications and over-the-counter products also contain gluten. Symptoms usually begin to improve within a week or two of completely removing gluten from your child’s diet, and the lining of the intestine typically heals within a year for children who follow a strict gluten-free diet. Because celiac is a lifelong condition, it’s essential to continue the gluten-free diet even after symptoms disappear.

Because celiac disease shares symptoms with other digestive conditions, our team may also evaluate for related concerns such as constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. Explore all of our pediatric GI services to learn more.

To have your child diagnosed or to get help managing celiac disease, call (708) 581-4911 or make an appointment online today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between celiac disease and a gluten sensitivity?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which gluten triggers the body to damage the small intestine, while gluten sensitivity causes uncomfortable symptoms without the same intestinal damage. Only proper testing by a pediatric gastroenterologist can confirm celiac disease.

How is celiac disease diagnosed in children?

Diagnosis begins with a review of your child’s medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical exam and blood tests. In many cases, an endoscopy with biopsy is performed to examine and sample the lining of the small intestine for confirmation.

Can celiac disease be cured?

There is currently no cure for celiac disease. However, it can be effectively managed with a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet, which allows the intestine to heal and symptoms to resolve.

How soon will my child feel better after going gluten-free?

Most children begin to feel better within one to two weeks of completely removing gluten from their diet. The intestinal lining typically heals within a year, though the gluten-free diet must be maintained for life.

Does my child need to avoid gluten even after symptoms go away?

Yes. Because celiac disease is a lifelong condition, your child must continue following a gluten-free diet even after symptoms disappear. Reintroducing gluten can cause the intestine to become damaged again.

Are there hidden sources of gluten I should watch for?

Yes. Gluten can be present in unexpected places, including some medications, over-the-counter products, and foods affected by cross-contamination. Reading labels carefully and being cautious about food preparation are important parts of managing celiac disease.

Which of your locations can diagnose celiac disease?

Celiac disease can be evaluated and managed at any of our five locations: Evergreen Park, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Romeoville in Illinois, or Highland, Indiana. Call (708) 581-4911 to schedule.