Coeliac symptoms In 6 years old?

[penelope2]

Hi, can anyone say what symptoms of coeliac would you see in a 6 year old and what are the pros and cons of trying a gluten free diet without a diagnosis.How long does it take to see a paediatric gastroenterologist.

Thank you.

[BabsyWabsy]

Hi Penelope2, this must be such a worry. Coeliac UK has useful information on coeliac in childhood. Have you already been referred to a paediatric gastroenterologist by your GP?

[penelope2 in reply to BabsyWabsy]

Hi thanks for replying.He is my grandson. His dad is a coealic. Have already spoken to CUK. Because of an autoimmune, neurological condition myself, I am pretty clued up re GF.

No blood tests first, waiting until March for appt for this. Asked CUK for private route, they said go back and ask GPs.

It is such a long wait for NHS!

It took 7 years for my diagnosis and then it was self diagnosis!

Losing faith now with all NHS and quite prepared to go private but where to start?

The big question is, do we listen to all medical professionals and wait for a NHS diagnosis or try him on a GF diet?

We are all so worried about him. He spent Christmas in hospital on a drip, constantly vomiting. Now missing lots of school and in pain half of days. Dr's just say give him Calpol!!!

[BabsyWabsy in reply to penelope2]

Oh the poor little soul. Why is there so much reluctance to consider coeliac when it is relatively common? Times have changed, but back in 2018, I was offered a colonoscopy. Among the list of hospitals that I was offered was a Spire hospital, which had a shorter waiting list. I took it. Might be worth asking if there is an option. On a more positive note, I recently met a 3 year year old with a coeliac diagnosis. She was coping and had an age appropriate understanding. Her coeliac uncle has 'buddied up' with her to help and support. If a GF diet works, he will still need to eat gluten to get a diagnosis. It's torture. I wish you all the best.

[Researchfan in reply to penelope2]

Hi Penelope2.

So sorry to hear your grandson is needlessly suffering. There are such long waiting lists allover. And GPs are not much help.

If you are prepared to go private, google circle health group. Put in your location and search for a paediatrician or a gastroenterologist that treats children. All the info you need will be there to decide on a consultant. You can even see the calendar and book online usually. I’ve looked into this myself when considering private consultation awhile ago.

It depends where you’re located but if you’re prepared to travel too there might be quicker appointments.

In the mean time, If able there is always the home private testing route to confirm what you suspect. You can buy finger prick tests (like a covid lateral flow test), to do at home. If the antibodies associated with coeliac disease are present they should show positive line. You would know there’s gut damage and could push for a gastroenterologist appointment. Or approximately £100 will get you a gene typing test for coeliac disease genetic predisposition.

Hope that’s a helpful reply and well wishes.

[penelope2 in reply to Researchfan]

Thank you for all the info. Have sent this to my daughter.