Celiac disease among children in modern society : a literature review

Abstract

Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction of the small intestine to dietary gluten. This reaction manifests itself in the form of chronic inflammation in the intestine, due to which the villi on the intestinal wall are smoothed out.

The consequences of the disease are mostly predominantly those of malnutrition due to maldigestion and malabsorption, such as diarrhoea, weight loss, and anaemia. Nevertheless, patients with celiac disease may also experience extra-intestinal symptoms - stomatitis, the appearance of polymorphic rashes, vitiligo foci and so on. Thus, it becomes really complicated to diagnose the disease. However, early diagnosis is crucial for the person’s health, especially concerning children.

This review covers celiac disease in children. Discussed diagnostic markers revealing true potential celiac disease and considered risk factors of its uncontrolled progressing.

The evidence-based medical literature indicates that children with a genetic predisposition to celiac disease are at major risk. Infectious diseases in the neonatal period are considered as another risk factors of celiac.

Typical and no typical symptoms for celiac disease are identified by the inductive method of analysis and are described in a separate chapter of the thesis.

Based on the work done, generalized conclusions, as well as identified possible triggers of celiac disease and its early symptoms. A further review of the literature made it possible to determine the most effective method for diagnosing celiac disease in children today.