Thursday, March 28

Growth Checks in Children Might Spot Celiac Disease

Posted: 03/11/15 18:23

Checking children for growth problems may help identify those with celiac disease, according to a new study. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body has an immune reaction to a component of wheat called gluten, leading to damage to the small intestine. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, the illness strikes about one in every 100 people worldwide. Celiac disease is typically difficult to diagnose. It leads to "short stature, poor weight gain and poor growth, and has been underdiagnosed in children," said one expert, Dr. Gina Sam, director of the Gastrointestinal Motility Center at Mount Sinai in New York City. To read more, click here