Celiac disease, also called celiac sprue, nontropical sprue, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is a condition that causes an extreme reaction to the ingestion of gluten. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, the immune system overreacts and damages the small intestine. Celiac disease may be diagnosed in adulthood, but it is often diagnosed in infancy and childhood. Irritability is a common symptom of celiac disease in children. Celiac disease can also cause diarrhea and abdominal pain. An infant with celiac disease may have normal digestion and growth until food containing gluten is introduced to the infant’s diet. The infant may react by having diarrhea, a distended abdomen, projectile vomiting, and irritability. The infant may stop gaining weight. Children with celiac disease may have poor appetite and poor growth. The symptoms of celiac disease may … Read entire article »