Celiac Disease for Kids

Overview

When you eat some foods, you feel bad. The doctor says you have "celiac disease." But what does this mean, exactly? Let's learn all about it.

A problem with gluten

Celiac disease is a problem in your small intestine. That's a long tube that helps break down the food you eat and absorb nutrients for your body. With celiac disease, your small intestine doesn't like it when you eat gluten. What's gluten? It's a protein found in some grains. Things like bread, pasta and waffles often have gluten in them. Many other foods do, too.

How gluten affects you

With celiac disease, when you eat foods with gluten, your small intestine has trouble doing its job. This can make you feel tired or sick. You may get a stomachache. You may need to use the bathroom a lot. And, you may not get all the nutrients your body needs to grow as fast as it should. Different kids have different problems.

Staying safe

You can stay safe by avoiding gluten. Before you eat any food, ask if it contains gluten. If it does, don't eat it. Your doctor may also say you should take vitamins to help your body grow and stay healthy. By doing what your doctor says, you can feel better and keep your body happy.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.