Celiac disease causes damage in the digestive system in response to gluten--a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When a person with the disease ingests gluten, her immune system reacts negatively, causing an array of symptoms that vary between individuals. According to the Children's Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation, children with type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome or thyroid disease and those with a family history of Celiac disease are at heightened risk.
Abdominal Pain and Bloating
Toddlers with celiac disease may experience abdominal pain and bloating after ingesting gluten. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House, children are more like to experience abdominal pain, bloating and other digestive symptoms than adults with the disorder. Pain and bloating may occur directly after a child ingests gluten, or throughout the day, as the body attempts to digest it or eliminate it from the body.
Chronic Diarrhea or Constipation
The body may react to gluten by trying to excrete it from the body through diarrhea, which may occur after or during abdominal pain or bloating. For this reason, chronic diarrhea is a common celiac disease symptom in toddlers. Since celiac disease often prevents nutrients from being absorbed in the body, many are excreted from the body through diarrhea. Gluten can also cause reduced function of the digestive system and lead to constipation. In many cases, toddlers with celiac disease will endure bouts of diarrhea and constipation intermittently. When diarrhea becomes severe, children are at risk for dehydration. Such cases may require prompt medical treatment.
Fatty Stool
Toddlers may produce fatty stool, or bowel movements containing pale-colored stool or stool with light-colored areas, in response to celiac disease. This symptom occurs when fat is not aborbed properly and is then rid from the body through stool. According to the NDDIC, fatty stool may also omit a foul-smelling odor.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is a major concern when exhibited in toddlers with celiac disease. Malabsorption of nutrients and excessive diarrhea can cause such weight loss, during a critical time of growth for youngsters. If celiac disease goes untreated, weight loss and nutrient deficiencies can lead to delayed development, increased susceptibility for viruses, infections and other diseases, reduced bone density and increased chance of delayed puberty later in life.
