Celiac Disease
When To Call a Doctor
Call a health professional if you or your child has symptoms of celiac disease. These symptoms include:
- Losing weight unexpectedly.
- Diarrhea that lasts longer than 1 to 2 weeks.
- Failure of a child to grow or gain weight as expected.
- Unusual fatigue or mood changes, especially if these last more than a week and are not related to any other illness, such as the flu.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with celiac disease, call a health professional if:
- Symptoms recur after having been absent.
- A change in symptoms occurs, such as increased tiredness or increased stomach pain.
- Your child has symptoms such as diarrhea or unexplained weight loss, and you know your child has not eaten gluten.
- You cannot tell whether your child has eaten foods that have gluten, and his or her symptoms continue.
Watchful Waiting
If celiac disease is suspected
If you think that you or your child may have celiac disease, watchful waiting is appropriate if mild symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting last only for a few days. Talk with a health professional if your child continues to have diarrhea and does not seem to be gaining weight as expected even though he or she has a good appetite.
If you or your child has celiac disease
If symptoms of celiac disease return after your child or you were symptom-free while following a gluten-free diet, it usually means that foods containing gluten were eaten. Try documenting your or your child's recent diet. Check food labels, looking closely for ingredients that may be sources of hidden gluten. Your local library or bookstore should have resources that can help you identify potential sources of hidden gluten. Also, a nearby hospital can usually direct you to local and national organizations that can help you follow a gluten-free diet. For more information about a gluten-free diet, see Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating adapted for a gluten-free diet.
If your child has celiac disease and symptoms return, be sure to ask detailed questions about what he or she has recently eaten away from home. As children get older and more independent, they may be tempted to stray from a strict gluten-free diet.
Call your health professional if you are confident that your or your child's diet is gluten-free but symptoms have returned or continue.
Who To See
Your family doctor, general practitioner, or your child's pediatrician can evaluate symptoms of celiac disease in adults or children.
You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in stomach problems (gastroenterologist) to confirm the diagnosis with a small intestine biopsy. In addition, a dietitian can help you plan and stay with a gluten-free diet.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
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| Author: | Amy Fackler, MA Debby Golonka, MPH Carrie Henley | Last Updated: August 23, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Jerry S. Trier, MD - Gastroenterology | |
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