The Gluten Syndrome refers to the cluster of symptoms that you experience if you react to gluten.  Gluten can affect your gut, your skin, and your brain.  It applies to any reaction that is caused by gluten.  It includes celiac disease, along with the myriad symptoms that can be experienced throughout your gastro-intestinal tract in response to gluten.  It also includes many other symptoms that do not stem from your gut.  These include brain and behavior disorders, irritability and tiredness, skin problems, muscular aches and pains and joint problems.

This question, “how early can you diagnose celiac disease?” is a major concern for both parents and paediatricians.  This is because, like many diseases, celiac disease comes on slowly.  This means that it can take a long time to make the diagnosis.

This article appeared in the Autumn 2006 edition of Celiac.coms Scott-Free Newsletter. Celiac.com