I Have Celiac... Should I Test My Kids?

[sydneysmommy]

I have known for 8 years that I have Celiac Disease. It has been very difficult adjusting to this lifestyle (as i call it) after getting the diagnosis as an adult (who looooooooooved italian food!).

Now that I am a mom (I have a 3yo girl and another girl due June 2), and know that Celiac is genetic, I do want to test my children.

My 3yo daughter hasnt seemed to have any symptoms or gut issues at all... but for my own peace of mind, I'd like to know. So I asked her pediatrician, and she said NOT to test her and NOT to put her on a gluten free diet. Her reasoning is that the disease may NEVER surface (if she does have it) and that she is more likely to have it surface now if we start doing gluten free etc.

I have never heard of this!

I would ASSUME that if you have Celiac, you want your family tested for this, am I right?

And since her pediatrician doesnt seem on board... who should I consult with about getting my 3yo tested ... and then later, my newborn?

Thanks in advance!

[Lisa]

I have heard that first degree relatives have a 20% change of Celiac Disease. If that's the case, it's a very good likelihood that your children may never develop Celiac.

Testing for children under the age of five is highly unreliable and your child is not symptomatic. I would be aware of the possibilty and watch for symtoms.