Tummy upsets are common in children and usually nothing to worry about. But if your child often complains of a sore tummy, seems overly tired, or is struggling to grow and thrive, it might be time to dig a little deeper.
What is coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and avenin in oats. Consuming gluten triggers an immune response that inflames and damages the small intestine. This damage then impairs the body’s ability to absorb nutrients such as iron, folic acid, calcium, and vitamins.
Coeliac disease affects people of any age – including children – however, a large proportion of the 100,000 New Zealanders estimated to be living with the condition are not officially diagnosed.
Because the symptoms vary so widely and can mimic other common conditions, coeliac disease often goes undiagnosed for years.
So, what should you look for? How is coeliac disease diagnosed? And what does treatment involve? Here’s what parents and caregivers need to know.
Spot the signs
- A bloated stomach: One of the most common signs, caused by inflammation in the gut when gluten is consumed.
- Diarrhoea and/or constipation: Ongoing toilet troubles may indicate the digestive system isn’t working properly.
- General tummy upsets and/or vomiting: Recurring pain, cramps, or unexplained vomiting can signal something deeper.
- Tiredness or lack of stamina: Even with good sleep, your child might feel constantly fatigued due to poor nutrient absorption.
- Anaemia: A lack of iron may make your child look pale, feel weak, or tire easily.
- Poor growth or development: Falling behind on height or weight charts may point to the body not getting what it needs from food.
- Difficulty concentrating: Brain fog or poor focus can stem from low energy or general discomfort.
- Poorly calcified teeth: Weak or patchy tooth enamel, especially in adult teeth, may be linked to long-term nutrient deficiencies.
» Click here to download your free coeliac cheat sheet
When to seek medical advice
If your child has any combination of the symptoms listed above – especially if they persist over time – it’s worth having a chat with your GP or paediatrician. While occasional tummy troubles are common, ongoing issues like poor growth, frequent digestive upsets, or unexplained fatigue shouldn’t be ignored.
How is coeliac disease diagnosed?
Your doctor may suggest a blood test to check for coeliac disease. If the results suggest a possible issue, a referral to a specialist and further testing (such as a biopsy) may be needed.
If your child’s blood results indicate a strong positive result, talk to your doctor about whether a biopsy-free diagnosis is available in your region.
» Important: Don’t start a gluten-free diet before testing, as it can affect the accuracy of results.
What treatment options are available?
The only treatment for coeliac disease is a strict gluten-free diet—removing all foods that contain wheat, barley, and rye. The good news is that once gluten is removed, the gut begins to heal and symptoms usually improve quickly.
It can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right support, families quickly adapt.
Coeliac New Zealand (coeliac.org.nz) offers support groups, recipes, and school resources to make living gluten-free more manageable.
One family’s journey with coeliac disease
“Before my son was diagnosed with coeliac disease, I knew of it mainly from medical school and occasional patients during my time in general practice. It often came alongside other health issues, so I hadn’t spent much time thinking about the day-to-day reality of living with it.
Outside of work, I had a little more insight – my niece was diagnosed at age five, and I once shared a flat with another doctor who had coeliac disease. But nothing truly prepared me for what it would be like when it affected my own child.
From just a few weeks old, my son struggled with gut issues and was diagnosed with cow’s milk and soy protein intolerance. By the time he turned one, the assumption was that he was just extra sensitive and would grow out of it eventually. But things didn’t quite improve. At age two, we began noticing other signs – he was looking slimmer and his tummy was often bloated and gassy. Something didn’t sit right.
More trips to the paediatrician and dietitian led to blood tests that revealed very elevated markers for coeliac disease. Thankfully, he was able to be diagnosed without needing a biopsy. That moment was a turning point – and the start of a steep learning curve for our family.
Almost overnight, our entire approach to food had to change. Grocery trips took much longer as we pored over labels trying to identify hidden sources of gluten while still aiming to provide a balanced diet. Gluten-free alternatives often felt more processed and were noticeably more expensive. But there was a silver lining – we began focusing on whole, naturally gluten-free foods like fruit, vegetables, legumes, and home-cooked meals – benefiting all of us.
Our dietitian recommended joining Coeliac New Zealand, which turned out to be one of the most helpful steps we took. Their guides on food labelling, shopping, and resources for kindergartens gave us the confidence to send our son off to kindy just weeks after his diagnosis, knowing his needs would be understood and supported.
Now, two years on, we’re still learning. As he grows, his needs evolve, especially in social situations. Birthday parties and shared meals can be tricky, but we’re finding our way. Most families we meet are wonderfully accommodating and go out of their way to include him, which means so much.
I know this will be a lifelong journey, with new challenges as our son becomes more independent. But with the right support and information, we feel well-equipped to keep learning and adapting together as a family.”
Angharad is a specialist GP practising in a high-needs clinic in Wellington. She has a particular interest in coeliac disease since her young son was diagnosed two years ago.
