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Health 101: Celiac Disease
Most kids with celiac disease -- a serious digestive disorder -- have never been diagnosed. Although the condition was once considered rare in this country, improved diagnostic tests have shown that it actually affects about one in 130 people -- including toddlers. Unfortunately, both doctors and parents often overlook celiac disease because they don't realize how common it is, and the symptoms are easily mistaken for other problems. Here, we've got common questions about this often confusing condition.
A. It's a genetic disease of the digestive system that's triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, as well as rye and barley. "Parents sometimes use the words allergy or intolerance to help other people understand celiac disease, but it's actually an autoimmune disease and not an allergy," says Nanci Pittman, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in New York City. When a child with celiac disease eats foods containing gluten, her immune system attacks the lining of her small intestine so that she's unable to absorb all the nutrients in food. As a result, she may stop growing, become malnourished, and develop a variety of serious consequences such as anemia, chronic diarrhea, and osteoporosis.
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That being said, I do empathize with you. Wish it were cheaper and more convenient!
3/28/2010 08:46:50 AM Report AbuseAny company that supplies a good or service has a right to make a profit. You could grow your own grain, mill it yourself, and mix your own flours. The high cost of these things probably has to do with supply and demand--there is a much higher demand for wheat flour, therefore higher supply, the higher supply thus equals lower cost. The gov't also gives subsidies to wheat farmers, not sure about other grains.
3/28/2010 08:46:00 AM Report AbuseYes there are tons of Gluten-free products on the market and they cost an arm and a leg!! I cannot believe how much moey I have to spend on all these products just becausse my son has Celiac Disease. It is not right and nobody should profit from this!! I eally wish companies could make things more affordable!!
11/28/2009 10:20:56 PM Report Abuse