September 13 was National Celiac Disease Awareness Day, so it is a fitting moment to talk about how often this condition goes undiagnosed in children. Celiac disease is far more than a food preference, and in kids it does not always look the way parents expect. At Pediatric Gastroenterology Associates in Pinecrest, we diagnose and manage celiac disease in children of all ages.
Why Celiac Disease Looks Different in Children
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which gluten triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine, making it harder for the body to absorb nutrients. Adults often report classic digestive symptoms, but children may show up with poor growth, fatigue, irritability, or low iron instead. Because those signs get attributed to other causes, many children go years without a diagnosis.
Signs parents should watch for include:
- Ongoing abdominal pain, bloating, or gas
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Poor weight gain or slowed growth
- Unexplained fatigue or iron deficiency anemia
- Delayed puberty or a family history of celiac disease
6 Things Every Family Should Know About Testing
- Do not go gluten free before testing. Removing gluten can make results inaccurate. Keep gluten in the diet until testing is complete.
- Testing starts with blood work. Specific antibody tests are the usual first step.
- Confirmation may require endoscopy. A biopsy of the small intestine is often needed to confirm the diagnosis.
- Family members should be screened. Celiac disease is hereditary, so siblings and parents may need testing too.
- A true diagnosis matters. It changes long-term monitoring, nutrition follow-up, and screening for related conditions.
- Treatment is lifelong. A strict gluten free diet is currently the only treatment, and it works.
When to Call a Pediatric Gastroenterologist
If your child has persistent digestive symptoms, is not gaining weight or growing as expected, has unexplained anemia, or has a first-degree relative with celiac disease, testing is worth pursuing. Our pediatric GI specialists can confirm a diagnosis and guide your family through what comes next.
Specialized Pediatric GI Care
At Pediatric Gastroenterology Associates (PEDGA), our team specializes in diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal conditions in children. We provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized care plans to help reduce symptoms, manage triggers, and support long-term health.
Need to be seen soon? We offer appointments within 24 hours, so your child gets the care they need without the wait.
📞 Schedule an appointment today: 786-888-2480
📧 Schedule an appointment today: scheduling@pedga.com
📍 Visit us in Miami: 10045 South Dixie Highway, Pinecrest, FL 33156
Your child’s health is our priority, wherever they need us. 💙
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