Friday, October 21, 2011

Celiac Disease in Children

Celiac disease is a condition which transpires in the small intestine. It is basically an autoimmune disorder that that occurs to people who are genetically predisposed to this condition. The disease in children may be a bit difficult to diagnose since those affected by this condition are too young to talk and communicate properly. Since this disease in children can stunt growth and reduce thriving, it is advisable to be aware of one's family history to be able to tackle this condition forewarned.

disease proof your child

Children are initially introduced to solid food around five to seven months. It may be around this time that a genetically predisposed child may be exposed to gluten which in turn triggers the autoimmune disease which if celiac disease. Regular ingestion of food products with gluten can worsen the condition and ruin the small intestines. This condition is also known as celiac spruce disease and is passed on genetically from one relative to another.

DISEASE

Celiac disease in children may not be immediately obvious since this disease is triggered by the presence of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat that can cause the autoimmune system to affect the absorption function of the small intestine. One surefire symptom of celiac disease in children is stunted growth. This is caused by the malfunction of the absorption process of nutrients in the small intestines. This symptom manifests in the slow weight gain of the affected child as well as the slow growth, either horizontally or vertically of the child.

Diarrhea and fatigue are also other classic symptoms of celiac disease in children. Diarrhea has something to do with the inability of the small intestine to process and absorb food properly which means that there is a digestive problem. Fatigue is caused when the child lacks nutrients for an active lifestyle and is constantly tired due to the presence of celiac disease in children. In some cases, though, there is not much diarrhea occurring to the child which can result to a misdiagnosis of the disease.

Celiac disease in children can prove fatal if left untreated or unnoticed. Frequent ingestion of gluten can destroy the villi as well as the mucosa lining of the small intestine. This is where the problem arises and stays because the damage is usually permanent and can affect the digestive processes of the child. This disease in children should be treated properly as soon as it is diagnosed to avoid malnutrition or stunted growth.

Celiac Disease in Children

DISEASE

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