**Note: The topics discussed here in “Caring for Your Child” are for your general information and are not a substitute for medical advice. You should contact your physician or other healthcare provider with any questions about your health, treatment, or care, or to discuss the information you have read here.

• Celiac disease is an immune system problem where your child’s intestines mistake gluten for a dangerous substance.
• Gluten is a substance found in foods like wheat, rye, or barley.
• As the body tries to clean out this gluten, it causes damage in the intestines that may cause symptoms.
• In children, symptoms might include diarrhea, vomiting, bloating/stomach distention, poor weight gain, or constipation.
• Currently, the only treatment is to avoid gluten for your child’s lifetime.

Here are some source websites where you can access more information:

www.celiac.nih.gov | www.americanceliacsociety.org | www.eatright.org | www.celiac.org | www.csaceliacs.org | www.gluten.net | www.celiaccentral.org