How Often Should Kids Get Tested?

[Lexi]

I was just wondering how often kids should get tested if they display sympotms of Celiac Disease. My son is 11 now, but he has had a touch subject since he was a baby. Has always had some degree of bloating, gas, and stomach issues. The Doctors never came up with what it was. I was diagnosed about a year ago, so I decided to have my son tested a few months ago. He came back negative, and the Doctor said that he seemed very healthy. However, I always wonder if he will someday have it (which I pray that he doesn't). I also have 2 other children, but they show no sympotms as of yet. The Doctor did not recommend having them tested. I am just wondering how often to have my older son tested. Thanks.

[RiceGuy]

It does sound like your son is having some sort of digestive trouble.

I think it would be wise to put your son on a gluten-free diet, and see how he does. Tests are not accurate enough to put such trust in them. But a positive response to the diet would be very telling.

[Jestgar]

It does sound like your son is having some sort of digestive trouble.

I think it would be wise to put your son on a gluten-free diet, and see how he does. Tests are not accurate enough to put such trust in them. But a positive response to the diet would be very telling.

If the diet makes him feel better, go for it. He could always choose to go back to gluten and get tested when he's older.

[Shanta]

I was just wondering how often kids should get tested if they display sympotms of Celiac Disease. My son is 11 now, but he has had a touch subject since he was a baby. Has always had some degree of bloating, gas, and stomach issues. The Doctors never came up with what it was. I was diagnosed about a year ago, so I decided to have my son tested a few months ago. He came back negative, and the Doctor said that he seemed very healthy. However, I always wonder if he will someday have it (which I pray that he doesn't). I also have 2 other children, but they show no sympotms as of yet. The Doctor did not recommend having them tested. I am just wondering how often to have my older son tested. Thanks.

[jmjsmomma]

My 4 yo tested negative but is not symptomatic at all. I was told to have him tested at his yearly regular check up unless he becomes symptomatic. If your son is testing negative but having digestive issues, I agree that trying a trial gluten free diet to see if he improves is worth trying. Also, both our ped and the GI doc told us to have all our kids tested immediately after our 5 yo was diagnosed with celiac disease in Jan. Good luck!

[Shanta]

It sounds like your son has gluten intolerance not celiac disease. He may not have all the genetic markers for celiac disease but is having an IGG reaction to gluten. My duaghter has celiac disease and my son and husband are gluten intolerant and get just as sick as she does when they eat gluten they just have abd pain diarrhea and bloating instead of vomiting, and abd pain, diarrhea. There are a couple of companies that do testing. One is enterolab.com where you can do genetic testing, a stool specimen for certain food intolerances and you don't even need a dr's order for this one. The second company is US Biotek Laboratories and they do an exstensive food intolerance panel but it needs to be ordered through a Dr. and it is a blood test. Both are very accurate and useful to help get rid of the constant stomach aches that accompanied my kids meals. Hope this helps.