Beyond Tummy Pain: Managing Coeliac Disease in Kids

In this episode, Dr Julia Rawlinson is once again joined by Dr Emma Turner, Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Perth Children’s Hospital, and Dr Erin Horsley, GP Anaesthetist with a special interest in gastroenterology and lived experience parenting a child with coeliac disease. For the second part of their discussion on coeliac disease in children.

Dr Emma outlines key aspects of long-term management following a coeliac disease diagnosis. She highlights the necessity of early dietitian involvement for gluten-free diet education and stresses the importance of annual monitoring, including coeliac serology, full blood count, liver function, iron studies, thyroid function, and vitamin D. Covering the risk of ongoing small bowel inflammation and malignancy associated with continued gluten exposure, even in children without acute symptoms, and provides practical tips on identifying hidden sources of gluten.

Dr Erin shares her lived experience as a parent, emphasising family education, membership in Coeliac Australia, and engaging with schools and peer families for support. The unique challenges faced by adolescents with coeliac disease are also addressed, with a recommendation for ongoing dietetic input during periods of increasing independence.

Links & Resources:

• https://coeliac.org.au/health-professionals/gluten-challenge/
• Health professionals - Coeliac Australia
• Ongoing management - Coeliac Australia
• https://coeliac.org.au/health-professionals/ongoing-management/

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