Celiac disease in children

Celiac disease is a chronic gluten intolerance that occurs in genetically predisposed people. In children it is one of the most frequent chronic diseases and its incidence is increasing.

According to a study entitled "The New Epidemiology of Celiac Disease", conducted by two Italian doctors, Professor Fasano, director of the Center for research on celiac disease at the University of Boston, and Professor Carlo Catassi, associate professor of Pediatrics Polytechnic University of Marche, and recently published in the Journal of Pedriatic Gastroenterology and Nutrition, the incidence of celiac disease has increased 5-fold, especially in children .

How and when celiac disease occurs

Celiac disease in children occurs characteristically between the seventh and twenty-fourth month of age, after gluten has been introduced into the diet. However, there are atypical events concerning children between 5 and 7 years of age.

Common symptoms of celiac disease in children are irritability, loss of appetite, abdominal bloating, frequent stomach ache, apathy, extreme thinness, stunted growth, anemia, reduction in muscle mass.

There are other uncommon symptoms : rickets, high transaminases, delayed puberty, epilepsy and autism.

Recognizing celiac disease at an early stage is very important because prompt diagnosis leads to the immediate elimination of gluten from the diet, a fundamental condition for the celiac child to have a normal life and be peaceful .

Late diagnosis of celiac disease can lead to other disorders. In the event that children perceive a suspicious symptomatology that includes the signs listed above, it is advisable to consult your pediatrician immediately.

Here is what is the right supply for those suffering from celiac disease

How to prevent celiac disease in children

According to studies still in progress, the gradual introduction of gluten from the age of four months, in small quantities, during lactation, could protect, at least partially, from the onset of celiac disease.

Numerous studies also claim that prolonged breastfeeding would be able to strengthen the baby's intestinal walls and, consequently, provide protection against the development of celiac disease.

However, the debate on how and when to introduce weaning gluten is still very much in progress and requires further study.

Facing celiac disease in children at school

The diet of the celiac child can become a source of concern for parents, especially when entering or leaving school, when shared snacks and small parties for children begin.

According to experts, the first thing to do is to correctly inform the child, with a calm but determined attitude. When the child is able to read it is important to teach him to always take a careful look at the ingredients of the products, before accepting a snack from a companion.

It is also essential to provide the child with a tasty snack and to vary often . There are many foods for celiacs, including a variety of highly palatable packaged products; if your child's snack is inviting, the temptation to exchange it with the schoolmate will be reduced to a minimum.

It is also essential to inform teachers . Finally, if the child eats at school, it is the parent's right to request a special, gluten-free restaurant service to replace the normal menu.