Celiac disease is an immune disorder that makes a child sensitive to gluten. When your child eats something that contains gluten, it damages the villi in the small intestine.
Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley, but also in medications, lip balm, and even the glue on some stamps and envelopes. Most people with celiac disease have no symptoms but some have diarrhea or constipation, experienced after contact with gluten may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, or poor growth.
Our approach
At the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, our gastroenterology specialists diagnose and treat children with celiac disease. Pediatric dietitians provide detailed nutritional counseling to help parents learn the gluten-free diet. Our Pediatric Specialty Care Discovery Clinic combines the expertise of many pediatric specialists in one location, making it more convenient for your child to receive the treatment options offered at the University of Minnesota. We offer the full range of care for children with celiac disease, including diagnosis, endoscopy, treatment, clinical trials, and follow-up.
A child with celiac disease must exclude gluten from the diet for the rest of their life. This is to prevent complications of celiac disease, which may include malnutrition, bone weakness, shortened stature, or other autoimmune diseases. Celiac disease can also be associated with diabetes or thyroid conditions.
