When spotting allergic reactions in children, some unusual side-effects can occur. Gluten allergy symptoms in children aren’t always easily detectable, some are uncommon, and some gluten allergies symptoms are not evident immediately and are mistaken for other allergies or disorders.
When examining gluten, also called wheat allergy, in children, it is helpful to check the child’s family history, and see if there are any relatives with gluten- related sensitivity. This allergy is more likely to strike if family members had food allergies of any kind, or hay fever. It is important to also list any unusual behaviors. Not all symptoms are similar with all children, and symptoms can vary. It is a good idea to give the child a food journal, and keep track of what he or she eats and the digestive experiences that follow. Attention is then zeroed in on gluten- containing foods. It is advised to also monitor what the child eats at daycare centres or school cafeterias.
The more common symptoms of gluten sensitivity are irregular bowel movements, gas, stomach bloating, and weight loss. Less common gluten allergy symptoms in children can be a gluten allergy rash, linked to stomach and indigestion problems, sometimes characterized with blisters on the child’s skin. Other less common symptoms include inability to concentrate, irritability, ADD, short stature, weaker bones and bone mass, and – even nosebleeds. Another gastro- related problem may be acid reflux, and abdominal pain.
Children aren’t always able to communicate or be aware of their wheat gluten allergy, so it’s important to consider the abovementioned gluten allergy symptoms in children as possibilities and test the child for gluten intolerance, or sensitivity. The best way to test a child is to have tests run by an allergy specialist. There will be a need to list what the child eats, what was consumed in the last couple of weeks, and any symptoms or behaviors that the Doctor notes. This way, the parents can really help the doctor determine gluten allergy symptoms in children and pinpoint their child’s true health problem.
Of course, the next logical step is to remove any wheat gluten – containing foods from the child’s diet and examine again if the child’s symptoms are improved. Before removing gluten, it is a good idea to hire a professional dietician, which can replace the child’s fiber and vitamins properly and help structure a new and tasty diet. After removing gluten, some children note a great improvement in concentration, less depression, fatigue, and they will notice their mental and physical health restoring. It is also a good idea for the entire family to be gluten – free, regardless of preferences, because it is very easy to consume traces of gluten based on contamination with other kitchen utensils, cutting boards, toaster ovens (where crumbs are present), etc….
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