Celiac disease is characterized by an extreme response of the immune system to the consumption of gluten. Celiac disease, also called nontropical sprue, celiac sprue, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy, causes the immune system to react to gluten by destroying the cells of the small intestines.

Though celiac disease may not be diagnosed until adulthood, it is often diagnosed during infancy and adulthood. Common symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal pain and diarrhea. Celiac disease in children often causes irritability.

Before eating foods containing gluten, an infant with celiac disease may have normal growth and digestion. Infants with celiac disease may experience diarrhea, projectile vomiting, poor weight gain, distended abdomen, decreased growth rate, and irritability after they begin to consume foods containing gluten.

Children with celiac disease may have poor appetite and poor growth. The symptoms of celiac disease may temporarily subside during adolescence and become problematic again in early adulthood.

The only known treatment for celiac disease is to follow gluten-free diet. If a child is diagnosed with celiac disease, it is often beneficial for the entire family to follow gluten-free diet. This prevents the child from being exposed to foods containing gluten in the home and may reduce stress on the parents caused by needing to watch the child’s intake of food at all times.

Some parents of celiac children experience anxiety when it is time for the children to attend school. Within a school, a celiac child is likely to be exposed to foods that contain gluten. Foods containing gluten will be present in the school cafeteria and also during student birthday celebrations and snacks if applicable.

A parent should discuss the child’s celiac disease and need to follow a gluten-free diet with the child’s teacher, school nurse, and school dietician. Some parents also meet with the school principal. The school must provide the child with gluten-free alternatives in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

A child who has been diagnosed with celiac disease needs to follow a gluten-free diet for their entire lives. Foods containing wheat, rye, and barley contain gluten. Other foods may also contain gluten such as frozen french fries or lunchmeat.

Parents can gradually increase the child’s responsibility in following a gluten-free diet. As the child grows, the child can learn about celiac disease, which foods to avoid, how to read a food label, and to make healthy food choices.