Celiac disease is a disease that most commonly affects individuals of European descent, states Dr. Alan Greene, pediatrician and expert at DrGreene.com. Children with the disease have a sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in many foods, including wheat, rye and barley. The symptoms of such a sensitivity can be frustrating for a child and the parents. Dr. Greene points out that a child often seems like she never feels well without an obvious indication as to the cause.
Eating Habits
A child may not know why she doesn't feel well after eating, but she eventually attributes eating to the discomfort she experiences. This can lead her to refuse to eat or dislike eating, states Dr. Greene. A lack of nutrients from refusing food can lead to other health concerns, including anemia (low iron). Without enough iron, a child may become tired and weak.
Mood Symptoms
Being hungry from avoiding food can lead a child to being moody. She may be more fussy than usual and become withdrawn. In general, a child who is exposed to gluten often may be unhappy most of the time. The pain or discomfort of other celiac disease symptoms can make a child appear more clingy.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gluten sensitivity can cause a child to have frequent, watery stools that may or may not accompany abdominal cramping. Vomiting and abdominal bloating are serious signs of celiac disease. Stools tend to be overly foul smelling and are often bulky. These symptoms can appear at any time during a child's life, states KidsHealth.org, a medical resource provided by the Nemours Foundation. An infant may start having abdominal cramps and other digestive issues as early as the introduction of infant cereals.
Growth
A child with celiac disease does not grow well and may even lose weight, suggests the Merck Manuals. This is often due to frequent diarrhea and a child's refusal to eat. In severe cases a child can die from a complication known as failure to thrive. KidsHealth.org points out that an infant may grow at a steady rate, and as soon as solid foods are introduced, he may begin slowing down. This pattern is unhealthy. Continuing regular well-child check ups can ensure the problem is identified before it leads to serious complications, such as failure to thrive. Merck points out that continued consumption of gluten can lead to short stature, nerve damage, frequently broken bones and tooth discoloration and decay. These are all the result of insufficient nutrients like B12 and calcium.
Skin Symptoms
KidsHealth.org says skin rashes may develop over time. These are often found on the elbows, buttocks and knees. Mouth sores may appear over time. The rash is known as dermatitis herpetiformis, states the Merck Manuals. It is characterized by painful, itchy, small blisters. The tissues of the body can swell from retaining fluids. This is due to diminished protein levels in the blood from the lack of proper nutrients absorbed by the body.
