Recurring Illness in Children: What to Look For

Parents often worry when their children fall sick repeatedly, especially if the illness seems to occur at regular intervals. This article will guide you on identifying potential common threads, exploring the possibilities of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, and understanding the importance of allergy screenings.

Understanding Recurring Illness

Parents often ask, 'My 5-year-old daughter always gets sick every 3 weeks. I took her to the doctor and they said nothing is wrong with her. What should I do?' This question highlights a common concern among parents. Sometimes, the explanation behind recurring illnesses can be found in unexpected places, such as dietary habits or environmental factors.

Common Threads and Possible Triggers

When faced with a child who is unwell on a recurring basis, it's important to look for patterns. Consider the following common threads:

Diet: Are there specific foods or ingredients your child frequently consumes that might be causing an issue? A common thread could be gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye. Vomiting and diarrhea after consuming these foods can be a sign of celiac disease. Pest Control: Is there a regular pest control program in your area or at your child's school that might be causing reactions? Exposure to certain chemicals can lead to allergic reactions or respiratory issues. Environmental Factors: Consider changes in your surroundings, such as new cleaning products, dust, or mold, which could be contributing to your child's recurring illnesses.

Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease

In some cases, recurring illnesses can be linked to gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Symptoms can include:

Vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal pain Fatigue Weight loss

While celiac disease is often associated with digestive symptoms, it can also lead to a wide range of other health issues. One child in the author's family has been diagnosed with both type 1 autoimmune diabetes and celiac disease. The latter was discovered through routine tests at a pediatric diabetes clinic, even though other associated autoimmune disorders such as thyroid or adrenal disease were not identified.

Exploring Allergy Testing

Another crucial step is to consider allergy testing. The author's experience with dietary restrictions can provide valuable insights. After removing milk from their diet, they noticed a significant improvement in their health, reducing the frequency of illnesses.

It is highly recommended for parents to get their children tested for common food allergies, as well as other environmental exposures such as:

Dust Molds Pet dander Perfumes Other ingredients in hygiene and cleaning products

By identifying these potential triggers, parents can take proactive measures to minimize their child's exposure and improve their overall health.

Conclusion

Recurring illnesses in children can be challenging to address, but by looking for common threads, considering gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, and conducting thorough allergy screenings, parents can better understand and manage their child's health.