Gluten Allergy in Children

Gluten is a protein found in wheat and foods made with wheat. Many children have an intolerance for or an allergy to gluten and benefit by having it removed from their diet. While an intolerance can make your child feel sick after eating gluten, the effects of an allergy can be much worse.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a gluten allergy in a child can include heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gassiness, or weight loss. The allergic reaction to gluten occurs in the small intestine. In children with a gluten allergy, gluten reacts with the lining of the small intestine and causes inflammation. This inflammation affects the absorption of nutrients and can ultimately lead to damage of the small intestine (which can manifest itself in disorders such as Celiac's disease).

Diagnosis

If you suspect your child may have a gluten allergy, try an elimination diet. Do this by eliminating all foods containing gluten and watching your child to see if his symptoms improve. If the symptoms do improve, slowly begin adding foods back in and see if any of the symptoms return. If they do, see your pediatrician for a proper diagnosis, treatment and complete diet plan. It may also be a good idea to try to eliminate casein, a milk protein, because gluten and casein allergies often go hand in hand.

Importance

Removing gluten from the diet is critical for children with gluten allergies. When gluten is eliminated, the damage to the small intestine will stop and even reverse itself. If your child has a gluten allergy, this diet change must continue throughout her lifetime.

Changes

If your child is diagnosed with a gluten allergy, it is important to know which foods to avoid. Gluten is found in anything made from wheat or wheat products as well as rye, barley and bulgur. Bread, cookies and crackers made with wheat should all be avoided. Gluten is hidden in a variety of other foods such as sausage, bullion cubes, soups, pickles and instant coffee. Gluten is also a component of many vitamins, toothpastes, stickers and Play-doh, which are commonly consumed or played with by children. Oats and millet, which are inherently gluten-free, can be processed in equipment that processes wheat, meaning that it will contain traces of gluten.

Alternatives

If your child has a gluten allergy, you should become familiar with food-substitution options. Flour made from buckwheat, rice, corn, quinoa, almonds or potatoes can all be used much like wheat flour. The quality of these other grains is not the same as wheat flour, so you may have to experiment with combinations that give you the texture and taste you desire. A trip to your local health-food store will offer many gluten-free options. In fact, many larger grocery stores are also beginning to spotlight gluten-free options.