Celiac disease symptoms in children are not always easy to identify. A gluten-related disorder may occur in any age group as gastrointestinal symptoms, as non-gastrointestinal symptoms, or a combination of both. Gluten disease (CD) and gluten-related disorder are more common in patients of northern European descent than other ethnic backgrounds.
Gastrointestinal Celiac Disease Symptoms in Children
The usual celiac disease symptoms in children are similar to other gastrointestinal illnesses. Celiac disease symptoms in children are commonly seen in the form of gastrointestinal symptoms. Non-gastrointestinal symptoms make celiac disease more difficult to identify. Gastrointestinal symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, weight gain, abdominal bloating, malodorous stool, fat within the stools, and abdominal pain. Gluten sensitivity is also known as non-celiac disease gluten sensitivity and the symptoms are similar, but much more subtle making it more difficult to recognize.
Extraintestinal Celiac Disease Symptoms in Children
The term extraintestinal means “outside the intestines.” Extraintestinal celiac disease symptoms in children may be much different than what parents would expect. Celiac disease symptoms in children may show up as many different unexpected health problems such as:
