It is estimated that 1 in 100 people in the UK are affected by coeliac disease, yet most of that number are yet to be diagnosed. It is difficult as a parent to identify coeliac disease in your child, as it is common to mistake it for other conditions. You do not want your child to become one of the many adults in the UK affected by coeliac disease but not diagnosed. Once your child has been diagnosed with coeliac disease, there is a clear pathway that you can follow.
Common signs for coeliac disease in children
Understanding your child is important for any illness or disease they may face. One of the problems with diagnosing coeliac disease in children is that the symptoms can look very much like other things children suffer with. Your child might be suffering with slow growth, have stomach aches and pains, bloating, are regularly extremely tired, and sickness. Some other signs to look out for in children include severe mouth ulcers, and where they have low levels of nutrients like iron, folate, and vitamin B12.
The importance of early diagnosis
The earlier your child is diagnosed, the better it is for their recovery and the change in lifestyle that will be required for the rest of their lives. You should also consider their genes, as if a close relative to the child has already been diagnosed as coeliac, there is an increase to 1 in 10 that the child will develop the condition, even if they currently show no symptoms. Even if you suspect that your child is coeliac, do not remove gluten from their diet at this stage. It is vital that you follow a clinical process and speak with a health professional first.
How are children diagnosed?
There are two types of blood tests that can be taken by your GP, which measure antibodies produced in response to eating gluten. If the first is positive, a referral can be made for a second blood test and to see a specialist.
Post-diagnosis
Children who have been diagnosed with coeliac disease should be closely monitored for between 6-12 months, with annual check-ups after this. This should include a closer look at their growth and development and to check on symptoms and to see if they have improved with the new approach. If things have not got better, always ask for advice from your GP or specialist.
Living a gluten free life
Once a diagnosis has been made and you know changes must be made, it is important to set out your home kitchen and approach to eating out in a way that helps your child stay positive and to live well. Teach your child how to cook gluten free recipes, and set up your kitchen in a way that minimises (or completely removes) the chances of cross-contamination with ingredients that include gluten. Be extra careful when eating out, and learn how to carefully read all the ingredients when buying produce at the supermarket.
If you have a child who has been diagnosed with coeliac disease, or you are in the process of getting your child diagnosed as you are worried that they might have the autoimmune condition, these are just a few things that you can, and should, do. It is difficult to change your lifestyle and to live gluten free as an adult, and with your children it can also be very challenging. Catching it early and ensuring that positive habits are in place early on in their life will help them to live with coeliac disease and learn ways in which to use gluten free ingredients. Overall, the diagnosis is the first step in a positive life journey for your child.
