| Montrose Girl |
Posted - May 15 2012 : 08:05:35 AM
Krystal,
My first question is do you need a diagnosis? You seem to know already that gluten affects both of your kids.
This is from a medical website http://www.uptodate.com/contents/patient-information-celiac-disease-in-children-beyond-the-basics:
CELIAC DISEASE TESTING
Several tests are done to diagnose celiac disease. The child should continue to eat foods that contain gluten while being tested. Starting a gluten-free diet or avoiding gluten before testing is completed can cause the tests to be inaccurate. (See "Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of celiac disease in children".)
Blood test — The first step in testing for celiac disease is a blood test. A pediatric or family doctor or nurse can do this test. The blood test tells whether the child has an increased level of antibodies (proteins) called tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG). The level of these antibodies is usually high in people with celiac disease (as long as their diet contains gluten), but is almost never increased in people without celiac disease. If the test is positive for tTG, a biopsy of the small intestine is recommended to confirm the diagnosis of celiac disease.
Small intestine biopsy — If the blood test shows high levels of tTG antibodies, the diagnosis must be confirmed by examining a sample of the lining of the small intestine with a microscope.
The sample (called a biopsy) is usually collected during a test called upper endoscopy. This test involves swallowing a small flexible instrument called an endoscope, which has a camera at the end. A pediatric gastroenterologist performs this test while the child is sedated. The camera allows the doctor to look at the upper part of the digestive system and remove a small piece (biopsy) of the inside of the small intestine. The biopsy is not painful. (See "Patient information: Upper endoscopy (Beyond the Basics)".)
Normally, the inside of the small intestine has finger-like structures, which are called villi. Villi allow the small intestine to absorb nutrients. In people with celiac disease who eat gluten, the villi become flattened, which interferes with absorption. Once the child stops eating gluten, the villi heal and can absorb nutrients normally.
If you have had your kids off gluten and had them tested that might be why your son did not show. I have an intolerance so I do understand. Good luck and I'm glad you caught it early. So much harder to transition when you are older (40's).
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
