What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease (CD) is a lifelong intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, oats, barley and rye. Gluten damages the lining of the intestine, which can cause malabsorption and a variety of symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary greatly from child to child and may include the following:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Inability to gain weight
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Poor height growth
What is the treatment for celiac disease?
The treatment for celiac disease is the removal of all the gluten from the diet. This means removing all the sources of wheat, oats, barley and rye. This also includes foods that may contain even small traces. A healthy gluten-free diet includes a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, milk, and milk products. Breads, crackers, pasta, desserts are available made from the allowed grains.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 314.454.5437 or 800.678.5437 or email us.
