If your child is complaining about pain in her joints after consuming foods that contain gluten, she may have a gluten allergy. The Center for Food Allergies says that food allergies are the No. 1 cause of joint pain. If your child has a gluten allergy, she will need to follow a gluten-free diet, which will likely eliminate her joint pain. Once your child's gluten allergy is diagnosed, and she is on his gluten-free diet, make sure she continues to see her doctor.
Gluten Allergy in Kids
Gluten allergies are more common in children than they are in adults, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Gluten allergies are easily confused with celiac disease, a digestive condition that causes intestinal damage. Gluten allergies are associated with wheat allergies, but gluten is also found in other grains and products, such as ketchup, rye and barley. Gluten allergies in children have no cure, but most children outgrow food-related allergies by the age of 5.
Joint Pain
Children with a gluten allergy may develop joint pain within a few minutes or up to a day after eating a food with gluten, according to the Center for Food Allergies. An allergy to gluten causes the body to release various chemicals, such as histamine. Histamine triggers blood-vessel dilation and inflammation in soft tissues. If the soft tissue between his joints becomes swollen and inflamed, your child will feel pain in his joints. Along with joint pain, your child may develop nasal congestion, shortness of breath, diarrhea, vomiting, wheezing, a rash or hives.
Treatment
The most effective treatment for a gluten allergy is avoiding all gluten products. Common foods that contain gluten include breads, pasta and baked goods. Your child may eat naturally gluten-free foods, such as rice, soy and tapioca flour, fruits and vegetables and fresh meats. If your child accidentally eats gluten, talk with the pediatrician about using over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers to help reduce her swelling and pain.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease can also cause joint pain, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Your child will need to undergo tests to diagnose and confirm which gluten-related condition is affecting him. Celiac disease is a chronic digestive condition in which the immune system causes permanent damage to the digestive system. Unlike a gluten allergy, your child cannot outgrow this condition.
