Celiac Disease In Children
Last updated: January 2026
Quick Answer
Should I worry if my child has ongoing pet dard, loose motion, and is not gaining weight? These could be signs of Celiac Disease, which affects about 1 in 100 children worldwide.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten (found in wheat, barley, rye - think roti, bread, pasta, biscuits) damages the intestines. The good news? Once diagnosed, a gluten-free diet can completely heal the gut, and your child can grow and thrive normally. Early diagnosis is key - the sooner you know, the sooner your child can start feeling better.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is NOT a food allergy or just a "sensitivity." It's an autoimmune condition where:
- The body's immune system attacks its own intestines when gluten is eaten
- This damages the lining of the small intestine (villi)
- Damaged intestines cannot absorb nutrients properly
- This leads to malnutrition, growth problems, and other issues
Important Points for Indian Parents:
- Wheat (gehu) is in almost everything we eat - roti, paratha, bread, biscuits, maggi, cakes
- Gluten is also in barley (jau) and rye
- Many Indian sweets and snacks contain maida (refined wheat flour)
- Hidden gluten is in soy sauce, some medicines, and even cosmetics
