Coeliac disease is an immune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine in genetically susceptible people. Children may have diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, poor growth, anaemia or few digestive symptoms. Accurate testing usually requires the child to still be eating gluten.
Gluten in wheat, barley and rye triggers the immune response in a susceptible child. Coeliac disease is not the same as wheat allergy or non-coeliac gluten sensitivity.
Not what we wish you'd ask. What you're actually thinking when you find this page.
Book a consultationUsually no. Removing gluten can make blood tests and biopsy less reliable. Discuss the plan with the specialist first.
No. It is an autoimmune condition, while wheat allergy involves a different immune mechanism.
The pathway depends on test results, symptoms and current clinical guidelines.
For confirmed coeliac disease, strict lifelong gluten avoidance is generally required.
Yes. Reduced iron absorption can cause persistent iron-deficiency anaemia.
Speak with Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition or contact our team to organise the right starting point.