Celiac Disease in Children

Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment for an Active Childhood

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Overview

Duke pediatric gastroenterologists and dietitians work together as a team with your family to treat your child’s celiac disease. We design a gluten-free diet for your child and provide long-term follow-up care so your they maintain a healthy and active life. Follow-up care helps prevent long-term complications and is especially important when children have symptoms despite adopting a gluten-free diet.

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About Celiac Disease

Content

Celiac disease occurs when the body cannot digest or break down gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. This includes the bread, pasta, and other foods made from them. Gluten is also found as an additive in common household products such as food coloring and salad dressings. Eating gluten makes the body’s immune system create toxins that damage the small intestines, which absorb nutrients from food. Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to weight issues, nutritional deficiencies, lower quality of life, and increased risk of other conditions. These include:

Increased Risk of Bone Fracture: Celiac disease prevents the absorption of calcium and Vitamin D. This can lead to an increased risk of fracture and delayed growth. A gluten-free diet can improve the nutritional deficiencies that can impair bone health.
Increased Risk of Anemia: Celiac disease can result in lowered levels of iron; folate; vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B6, and B12; and zinc. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and anemia. A gluten-free diet can improve anemia and reverse nutritional deficiencies.

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Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.

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Tests

Tests Overview

Celiac disease can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Some people may have a mild sensitivity to gluten. In others, gluten kicks off an autoimmune response. Our celiac disease experts meet with you and your child to determine the cause of their symptoms and to make a diagnosis.

Family History

Description

Your doctor will talk with you about your child’s medical history. A family history of celiac disease increases the chance your child will have it. Children with an autoimmune or genetic disorder, such as diabetes or a thyroid condition, are at risk for celiac disease.

Physical Exam

Description

Your doctor will perform a physical exam to check your child’s health, including weight and developmental stage. The chronic fatigue, diarrhea, and malnutrition that come with celiac disease can slow a child’s growth. The doctor may also check your child’s skin for signs of an itchy rash on their bottom, elbows, or knees.

Blood Tests

Description

A simple blood test checks for certain antibodies that can signal celiac disease. This test should be done when your child is eating a normal diet.

Endoscopy

Description

A small flexible tube with a camera at the end allows your child’s doctor to view the inside of their small intestine. This test lets the doctor look for damage and take small tissue samples to check under a microscope for signs of celiac disease.

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Treatments

Gluten-Free Diet

Description

While there is no cure for celiac disease, a gluten-free diet will stop your child's body from making the toxins that harm the small intestine. Our specialty-trained dietitian creates a meal plan for your child and teaches you how to read food labels to avoid ingredients that contain gluten. We help your child maintain a gluten-free diet while ensuring they get the nutrition needed to develop and grow.

Nutritional Supplements

Description

Your child’s doctor may prescribe vitamins (such as vitamin D) and other nutritional supplements (such as iron) to ensure your child gets the proper nutrients and to avoid complications, such as bone fractures and fatigue.

Follow-Up Care

Description

Our celiac disease experts will see your child twice during the first year of diagnosis, and annually thereafter. We answer questions; provide information on new gluten-free foods; and check your child’s growth, development, and nutrition levels. We coordinate your child’s care with your local doctor and monitor for any changes.

Best Children's Hospital in NC

Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center is proud to be nationally ranked in nine pediatric specialties.

Why Choose Duke

Content

A Team Approach
If your child has another autoimmune or genetic disorder, our pediatric celiac disease experts collaborate with other specialists to ensure your child receives the best care possible.

Family Support
Families who come to Duke for pediatric celiac disease care may have opportunities to share experiences and learn about the latest advances in celiac disease treatments.

This page was medically reviewed on 10/03/2022 by

Narayanan Venkatasubramani, MD, MBBS, MRCPCH | Pediatric Gastroenterologist