Stomach aches are common in children and are often caused by issues like overeating, constipation, diarrhea, or infection but with these, there can also be a sign of something more serious. Recurring stomach aches could signal a deeper underlying issue, such as celiac disease.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Though it primarily affects the small intestine, its symptoms can manifest in various forms, making it challenging to diagnose, especially in children.
Acute stomach pain is a common symptom of celiac disease in children, but it’s not the only one. Other signs to watch for include:
1. Diarrhea: Children with Celiac Disease commonly experience diarrhea, characterized by frequent loose stools. These stools may have an unpleasant odour and appear greasy due to poor absorption of fats in the intestine.
2. Growth failure: kids often don’t gain weight and height due to chronic malnutrition associated with celiac disease
3. Vomiting: While less common than other gastrointestinal symptoms, vomiting can also occur in children with Celiac Disease. Vomiting may be triggered by the body’s inflammatory response to gluten ingestion.
4 Fatigue: Chronic fatigue or low energy levels are prevalent in children with untreated celiac disease. The malabsorption of essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, can compromise energy production and overall vitality.
Besides blood test, endoscopy plays an important role in treatment as it provides direct visualization of the small intestine and obtains tissue samples for biopsy. It also helps to assess the extent and severity of intestinal inflammation and damage.
The primary treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong follow-up with a gluten-free diet. This means eliminating all sources of gluten, including wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives, from the child’s diet. With dietary modifications, children diagnosed with celiac disease may require nutritional supplementation to address any existing deficiencies. Common supplements include iron, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, which may be compromised due to malabsorption in the intestine.
The author is the HOD and Consultant – Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Manipal Hospital Dwarka