Celiac Vs Gluten Intolerance

[rachelh4207]

Hi! I know this question may seem dumb but I just want to make sure that I understand right. I have been reading every gluten/celiac book I can get my hands on and searching the internet and still am not *sure*.

DD (2.5) has gluten tolerance I am fairly certain, however, her panel and biopsy were negative for celiac. (she had been off gluten for a week with one and two weeks with one, I know, results aren't for sure accurate because of this)

So my question is, Can she have bone loss, malnutrition, "failure to thrive", huge belly, teeth problems, etc---and it "just" be gluten tolerance?

Just want to make sure that gluten tolerance can cause these major side effects as well.

She has other problems as well like:

-chronic yeast infections

-irritability

-weak

-developmental delays

-horrible night/nap sweats

-bathroom "issues"

-allergy eyes- poor color

-Overall just doesn't feel "good"

and a few others that I am sure I am forgetting.

She goes to the Pediatric orthopedic Friday since her leg has taken so long to heal, is crocked, and still hurts her so much. Keep her in your prayers please and thanks again for all the help. I am very grateful to have access to this form.

[alex11602]

Poor girl. I'm not sure of all the ins and outs, but I do know that some considere gluten intolerance to be a spectrum disorder and also that she could still be Celiac with negative tests especially considering her age.

[mamaupupup]

Hi Rachel,

I'll dig up an article and get back to you on this. In the meantime, I'm thinking of you and sending prayers your way!

[rachelh4207]

thanks for the reply:) I really REALLY believe her hair has grown SO SO SO much in the past month (gluten free) And her stomach is so much smaller. On another note, she is constipated today!? what in the world? she use to be the opposite?!!?

[mamaupupup]

Hi Rachel,

You are such a great mom--you are doing so much research!

Here is an article from the Wall Street Journal which helped me understand...although I've learned a lot since then!:

Open Original Shared Link

[mamaupupup]

This is written by our pediatric GI. Open Original Shared Link

Not sure how to get access...

[xjrosie]

thanks for the reply:) I really REALLY believe her hair has grown SO SO SO much in the past month (gluten free) And her stomach is so much smaller. On another note, she is constipated today!? what in the world? she use to be the opposite?!!?

Keep in mind that kids are kids and things happen that won't always be related to gluten. Constipation happens a lot when you're dehydrated or even low on fluid in your body. It could be something she ate (too much cheese or something). Up her water intake a few ounces a day and see what it does.

Honestly, I think that if the constipation were a result of being glutened, you would have other symptoms. If she's making progress and this popped up out of nowhere, it's probably something minor.

[momtok&m]

My 3yo is Gluten Intolerant. She was diagnosed based on symptoms-anemia, malnutrition, vomiting, irritability, slow growth, etc. This was before 12 months and her main source of nutrition was breastmilk! All of these symptoms slowly went away once she was gluten-free. Anyway, I spoke with someone at the lab that does all of the genetic testing and she told me (2 yrs ago) that the test just aren't good enough yet to rely on the results in little ones. So, we don't know if she has an allergy, intolerance or Celiac. It doesn't matter to me since I know she's healthy without gluten and sick as a dog with gluten in her diet! Our ped. agrees and won't even allow us to gluten her up for a biopsy! So, until SHE wants to know what it really is....we're happy with her current dx! Good luck mama! It's tough in the beginning but it does get easier :

Oh, your question.......after a discussion with our ped., yes, it can be "just" GI.