Abdominal cramps and pain is considered to be one of the common symptoms of gluten allergy in children, which often leads to appetite loss and vomiting. These symptoms can have a huge impact on the growth and development of the child.
Another symptom may include physical distress which may result in several changes in their behavior such as depression, irritability, and fatigue. Symptoms of gluten allergy in children are typically not observed until they grow and start eating foods containing substances such as soft cheese, bread, cereal, pastries, cake, processed meats, pasta, etc.
Most parents fail to notice that their kids are allergic to gluten, a protein substance found in oats, wheat, rye, and barley since most of the children did not manifest the symptoms right away. Therefore, one sign that the kid has gluten intolerance if he or she manifests some abdominal pain and discomfort.
Vomiting often happens even when the kid does eat. Gas, constipation, and diarrhea are also other problems in the stomach that most of the gluten-sensitive children could have. Most of the children with a gluten allergy may avoid consuming foods with gluten content because they don’t want to experience other gastrointestinal symptoms like rectal bleeding, heartburn, acid reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome.
This abdominal distress frequently leads to loss of weight or at least incapability to gain weight appropriately. Inflammation in the abdominal tract accompanied by thin upper and lower extremities could also be included in the symptoms of gluten allergy in children. This is because their gastrointestinal don’t have enough capacity to absorb all the essentials nutrients needed by their body; thus, they always feel ill and don’t get properly nourished. Puberty is also delayed in children with allergy to gluten, as they are not capable to eat much throughout the years in which they are expected to develop the most.
Mouth ulcers, dental problems, and eczema may also be manifested by gluten-sensitive children. Symptoms of gluten allergy in children may sometimes affect their attitude and behavioral aspects, not until the parents found out their medical condition; hence they start to follow a gluten-free diet.
Also Read: Understanding Wheat Gluten Allergy