Celiac Disease

At GI Care for Kids, we have the most experience with celiac disease (our doctors have over 120 years of cumulative experience in pediatric gastroenterology) of any pediatric gastroenterology service in the entire South East.

Celiac disease is a common condition occurring in 1 out of 135 Americans. It occurs in all ethnic groups from Irish to Russian and African American. We even have patients of Vietnamese descent with celiac disease. Most people with celiac disease do not know that they have it. It is often misdiagnosed or not recognized. More and more people are being diagnosed based on family history. If you have a first degree family member with Celiac, your chances of having it are about 1 in 22.

Celiac disease causes a lot of different symptoms ranging from stomach aches to diarrhea. Patients may also have persistent vomiting, growth failure or constipation. There is an association between celiac and other disorders such as diabetes, Down syndrome, William's syndrome, and short stature.

Diagnosis is typically suggested by abnormal blood tests - all of our doctors are experts in ordering and interpreting these lab tests. Confirmation of the diagnosis is usually made by upper endoscopy, the insertion of a small tube into the stomach and intestine while your child is asleep.

Celiac disease is treated by removing all gluten (found in wheat, rye and barley) from the diet. Yes, it is a tough diet. However, more and more gluten free products are available including pizza dough, breads, pastas, and brownies. At CCDHC, we have two nutritionists that can get you started on the gluten free diet. And don't forget the support group!

Dr. Jeffery Lewis and Dr. William Meyers together with a number of active parents started the first pediatric support group for Celiac disease in Georgia. We now have over 100 families in the support group! The Georgia chapter of R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids) was started in 2004 one evening in our offices. The chapter has all sorts of social functions ranging from parades to carnivals and swim parties. The best part of the chapter is a friendly group of people, parents and kids, willing to help guide you through the adjustments necessary to live gluten-free. If you want to join the group, send an email to celiacgroup@ccdhc.org.

Additional information can be found at these websites:

An internet site est in 1995 that has tons of information and resources:
http://www.celiac.com/home.html

NIH sponsored link with the latest recommendations and research:
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/

A link sponsored by the national pediatric GI organization with references in English, Spanish, and French:
http://www.naspghan.org/sub/celiac_disease.asp

Another information link tailored for families of children with Celiac disease.
http://celiachealth.org/consumers.asp

Atlanta Metro Celiacs - a volunteer support group.
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/3820/index.html