Celiac disease, also called gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an immune reaction to a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Eating gluten triggers a response in your small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages your intestine’s lining and prevents the absorption of some nutrients. In children, this can affect growth, apart from causing the symptoms seen in adults. There is no cure for this disease, but a gluten-free diet can help control the symptoms and promote intestinal healing.
The signs of celiac disease can vary greatly and, sometimes, can be different in children and adults. Some of those that affect digestive system are: diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and constipation. However, adults have also symptoms as anaemia, osteoporosis, skin rash, mouth ulcers, headaches or reduced functioning of the spleen. As for children, signs that have something to do with digestive problems are similar to those seen in adults, but they are prone to be very irritable, having damage in tooth enamel, short stature or a delayed puberty.