Symptoms
The symptoms of celiac disease in children can vary widely, but some of the most common include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Delayed growth and development
- Anemia
- Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Mouth ulcers
- Behavioral changes
It is important to note that some children with celiac disease may have no symptoms at all, or only mild symptoms, making diagnosis difficult.
Causes
Celiac disease is caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine, causing inflammation and damage. This makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from food, leading to a wide range of symptoms and complications.
Celiac disease is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. About 1 in 10 people with celiac disease have a first-degree relative (parent, child, sibling) with the condition. In addition, certain genetic variations, known as HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, are found in about 90% of people with celiac disease.