Celiac Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Children frequently acquire allergies to various proteins in wheat, which are IgE-mediated. So, with such varied symptoms… from gut stuff / reflux, to skin stuff (hives, eczema, etc), to breathing issues (hives or asthma that is) etc, etc. In the most severe cases, the condition can lead to anaphylaxis. It is crucial that you accurately differentiate healthy from other alternative pathways that lead to the disease such as celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. The diagnosis is based mainly on history, skin prick tests, determination of specific IgE in the blood and occasionally oral food challenges. Management is primarily avoidance of direct wheat and wheat products consumption, with the exception of nutrition who are not stunted or delayed in growth. This is management of emergencies and self-epinephrine use among those children at risk of life-threatening reaction. The prognosis varies considerably. Many children eventually outgrow a wheat allergy by the time they reach school age, but some remain sensitive to wheat their entire lives. If we can diagnose this appropriately, and treat this adequately then you can reduce the morbidity, and improve their quality of life.”