Gluten intolerance in children - the most important symptoms

Gluten intolerance in children can produce symptoms similar to problems with the digestive system, growth and behavior in general. The symptoms of gluten intolerance in children can only be related to the digestive system or many other aspects. They vary with age and are not the same for all children.

It is therefore important to familiarize yourself with the common symptoms in order to be able to make a correct diagnosis as early as possible. For this reason, we would like to discuss the various symptoms that can help you find out if your child has a gluten intolerance.

Gluten intolerance in children

Gluten intolerance or celiac disease is an immune reaction to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Over time, this reaction damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents certain nutrients from being absorbed. In children, gastrointestinal symptoms usually appear between 6 and 24 months of age, of course after introducing gluten into the diet. The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low weight, growth problems.

We will now look at these symptoms in more detail.

Symptoms related to the functioning of the digestive system

Perhaps the most significant evidence that can show that your child is gluten intolerant has to do with the digestive system. Here are some of the most common symptoms in this regard:

• Frequent swelling of the abdomen.
• Nausea that ends in vomiting.
• Odorless and whitish stools.
• Frequent constipation or diarrhea.
• The child complains of flatulence.
• The baby will also complain of abdominal pain.
• Your baby has no appetite.

Growth related symptoms

Other symptoms that may indicate a child is gluten intolerant are when your child is not developing as quickly as other children of the same age. Both in terms of height and weight.

Children under two years of age may experience progressive muscle wasting, and if babies are not diagnosed until they are over two years old, they may also experience puberty later than other babies.

Must Read: TECNO™s Selfie-Portrait Master Camon 17 Pro is out now with a 48MP Selfie Camera

Behavioral symptoms

In addition to the physiological symptoms, the behavior of children may also show the usual signs of gluten intolerance. The most popular of them include:

• Sudden changes in mood.

Other symptoms of gluten intolerance in children.

Here is a breakdown of other possible symptoms that indicate gluten intolerance:

Anemia

This is the most common symptom of celiac disease. This is because the intestine is damaged which prevents it from absorbing all the nutrients. And this phenomenon, in turn, leads to a shortage of certain substances.

The most common result of this situation is iron deficiency. There are also deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, resulting in children having lower bone mineral density.

Dermatitis herpetiformis

Dermatitis herpetic is a symptom of celiac disease that is visible on the skin. It is a skin condition that causes itching and blistering and comes from an intolerance to gluten at the gut level. The rash usually appears on the elbows, knees, torso, scalp, and buttocks.

Typically, herpetic dermatitis is associated with lesions identical to the symptoms of celiac disease in the walls of the small intestine, but this dermatitis is not always caused by obvious digestive disorders.

Herpes

Herpes is a fairly common but little known symptom of gluten intolerance. Sometimes called cancerous ulcers, these are circular lesions that are characterized by a slight swelling and are usually found in the gums, inside the cheeks, and under the tongue.

High-risk groups

While any child can suffer from gluten intolerance, there are certain groups that are at increased risk of developing gluten, such as:

• Direct relatives of people with celiac disease.
• Children with type 1 diabetes.
• Children with Down syndrome.

In addition, this disease affects Caucasian people more than any other social group. It is also more common in women than in men and is also hereditary.

Gluten intolerance is five times more common in children than in adults. Currently, this disease cannot be prevented, and the only way to deal with it is to completely eliminate gluten from your child's diet.

If your child shows one or more of the symptoms we described above, see a doctor with him for a proper diagnosis. If the diagnosis is positive, your nutritionist will advise you on how to ensure your child is on a gluten-free diet.