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Celiac Disease

Understanding This Autoimmune Disorder

By Lisa A. Goldstein

If your child is complaining of stomachaches, having too many or too little bowel movements or isn't gaining weight, consider testing for celiac disease. An autoimmune disorder, celiac disease is relatively common, with an estimated three million Americans having it, according to Dr. Peter Green of the Celiac Disease Center within the Department of Medicine at Columbia University and co-author of the book Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic (Collins, 2006).

Despite the fact that more people have celiac disease than Alzheimer's or multiple sclerosis, a shocking 97 percent of cases are undiagnosed, says Dr. Green. The average length of time before diagnosis is 11 years.

Finding Out "I was lucky; my daughter's diagnosis was fortuitous," says the author, Lisa A. Goldstein, from Pittsburgh, Pa. "When my mother-in-law was diagnosed – and only after telling her doctor to run the specific test – her children and their children were tested. The last thing I expected was for my daughter to have it, yet in retrospect, the signs were there. She was already scheduled for a weight check due to concerns about her lack of weight gain."

Celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue, is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac can't tolerate a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, rye and barley. It can be hidden in many other ingredients such as maltodextrin or even in natural and artificial flavors. The intolerance to gluten is commonly referred to as a food allergy when in fact gluten acts as a poison to the system.

There is a wide range of symptoms, but people also can be asymptomatic. "Children seem more likely to present with 'classic' symptoms of celiac disease: tummy aches, lactose intolerance, constipation, short stature, failure to thrive, lack of ability to concentrate and learning difficulties," says Alice Bast, executive director of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.

Want to see more?

• Tummy Trouble?: A Guide to Your Newborn's Digestive System
• Tummy Troubles: Handling Little One's Bellyaches
• 20 Questions: What to Ask Your Pediatrician
• Check out our Article Library.
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