| Allergies | Allergies | Allergies | A | English | Allergy | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Body | Immune system | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Cough;Eye discomfort and redness;Runny nose;Rash;Wheezing | | 2021-03-23T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 8.10000000000000 | 60.8000000000000 | 1477.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>This page explains what allergies are, types of allergens, the signs and symptoms of allergies, and also the causes. It also gives examples of common allergies and what to do if your child has an allergic reaction. </p> | <h2>What is an allergy?</h2><p>The immune system protects us by attacking harmful substances such as viruses and bacteria. An allergy is the immune system’s response to a substance called an allergen.</p><p>The allergen is not harmful for most people. However, when a child has an allergy, the immune system treats the allergen as an invader and over-reacts to it. This results in symptoms from mild discomfort to severe distress.</p><p>Allergic disorders, including food allergies, are common in childhood. Many children with allergies also have asthma.<br></p> | <h2>Types of allergens</h2><h3>Common food allergens</h3><div class="akh-series"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-12">
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Common_food_allergens_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Illustration of eggs, nuts, shellfish, fish and milk" /> </figure>
<p>The most common food allergens include:</p><ul><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=809&language=English">peanuts</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=812&language=English">tree nuts</a> such as hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and cashews</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=806&language=English">eggs</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=808&language=English">cow's milk</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=813&language=English">wheat</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=805&language=English">soy</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=807&language=English">fish</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=810&language=English">shellfish</a></li></ul></div></div></div><p>Food allergens can also be hidden in common party dishes such as cookies, cakes, candies or other foods. Always ask the cook or the host if dishes contain foods your child is allergic to.</p><p>Far more people have a food intolerance than a food allergy. Unlike a food allergy, a food intolerance does not involve an immune reaction. Rather, it produces unpleasant symptoms as food is digested. These symptoms appear over a few hours rather than as soon as the food is swallowed or inhaled.</p><h3>Common airborne allergens</h3><p>Dust mites are common airborne allergens. These tiny bugs live in warm, damp, dusty places in your home and survive by eating dead skin cells. Their waste is a major cause of allergies and asthma.</p><div class="akh-series"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-12">
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Common_airborne_allergens_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Illustration of moulds, dust mites, pollens, pet dander and cockroaches" /> </figure>
<p>Other common airborne allergens include:</p><ul><li>pollen from trees, weeds and other plants</li><li>mould</li><li>pet dander (dead skin cells from pets)</li><li>cockroaches</li></ul></div></div></div><h3>Other common allergens</h3><ul><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=800&language=English">Insect bites or stings</a></li><li>Medicines</li></ul> | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>An allergy is the immune system’s over-reaction to a substance that is generally not harmful to most people.</li><li>If you suspect that your child has an allergy, an allergist can do tests to find out exactly what is causing the allergy and discuss with you how to manage these allergies.</li><li>To reduce your child’s exposure to airborne allergens, have a pet-free home and remove carpeting.</li><li>To manage a food allergy, make sure your child avoids all foods they are allergic to, learns how to read food labels and ask about the ingredients in served food.</li><li>If your child has a severe allergy, tell their teachers and other caregivers.</li><li>If you suspect your child is having an anaphylactic reaction, give epinephrine (if available) and call 911. </li></ul> | | <h2>Signs and symptoms of allergies</h2><p>Allergic reactions will vary from child to child and from allergen to allergen. Where you live can also affect the type and severity of the allergy.</p><h3>Symptoms for food allergens and insect bites or stings</h3><p>Your child’s response to a food allergy or insect bite will depend on how sensitive they are to that food or bug. Symptoms can include:</p><ul><li>itchy mouth and throat when food is swallowed</li><li>skin rashes, such as
<a href="/Article?contentid=789&language=English">hives</a> (raised, red, itchy bumps)</li><li>sneezing</li><li>itchy, runny or stuffy nose</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=782&language=English">conjunctivitis</a> (red, swollen eyes) or itchy, watery eyes</li></ul><h3>Symptoms for airborne allergens</h3><p>Common symptoms with airborne allergens may include:</p><ul><li>sneezing</li><li>itchy nose or throat</li><li>stuffy or runny nose</li><li>red, itchy and/or watery eyes</li><li>headaches or plugged ears</li></ul><h3>Symptoms of severe allergic reactions</h3><p>Anaphylaxis is the most severe type of allergic reaction. Even exposure to small amounts of allergens can trigger anaphylaxis in some allergic children.</p><p>The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may include sudden onset of:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=789&language=English">hives</a>, itching, redness of the skin</li><li>swollen eyes, lips, tongue or face</li><li>difficulty breathing, tightness of the throat or difficulty swallowing</li><li>abdominal (belly) pain, nausea, <a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=746&language=English">vomiting</a> or sudden onset of <a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=7&language=English">diarrhea</a></li><li>coughing</li><li>stuffy and/or runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing</li><li><a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=779&language=English">fainting</a>, confusion, lightheadedness or dizziness</li><li>rapid or irregular heartbeats</li><li>cold, clammy, sweaty skin</li><li>voice changes</li></ul><p>Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical care. Give <a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=130&language=English">epinephrine</a> (if available) and call an ambulance.</p> | <h2>What causes an allergic reaction?</h2><p>Allergens may come in contact with the skin or be breathed in, eaten or injected.</p><p>When the body detects an allergen, it sends a signal to the immune system to produce antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Those antibodies cause certain cells in the body to release chemicals called histamines. Histamines travel through the bloodstream to fight the invading substance or allergen.</p><p>Your child’s allergic reaction depends on which part of their body has been exposed to the allergen. Most commonly, allergic reactions affect the eyes, inside of the nose, throat, lungs or skin.<br></p><p></p><p></p><div class="asset-video"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/psCQwkPLAV0"></iframe> <br></div>
<p></p> | | <h2>What your child's doctor can do for allergies</h2><p>If you suspect your child has an allergy, they should see an allergist. This is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies.</p><p>To identify your child's allergy, the allergist will usually:</p><ul><li>examine your child</li><li>ask for your child’s allergy history</li><li>ask for a description of your child’s allergic symptoms</li></ul><p>Your child might then have skin tests, blood tests, a chest X-ray, a lung function test or an exercise tolerance test. The allergist will explain these tests to you.</p><p>When the tests are done, the allergist will use the results to make a diagnosis. You and your child will meet the allergist at a later date to discuss them.</p><h3>How to prepare for an allergy test</h3><p>Your child may need to stop using certain medications for a period of time before an allergy test. These medications may include antihistamines. Always ask your doctor if your child should stop taking medications before the visit.</p> | | | <h2>Taking care of your child with an allergy at home</h2><p>If your child has a severe allergy, your doctor might give you a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector such as an EpiPen or Allerject. Your doctor can show you how and when to use the auto-injector. You or your child may need to carry one at all times.</p><p>As much as possible, try to prevent allergic reactions by reducing your child's contact with the allergen(s). The steps you take depend on the substance to which your child is allergic. Discuss this with your child's doctor.</p> | <h2>How to prevent allergic reactions</h2><h3>Food allergens</h3><p>Your child must avoid all foods they are allergic to. Some children may outgrow their allergies, but others may have to avoid the allergen for life.</p><p>Avoiding a food allergen can be difficult. As a result, many children unintentionally eat food they are allergic to.</p><p>If your child has a food allergy, teach them to be aware of the foods to avoid and all the possible names of those foods. You and your child should learn to read labels on food packaging and ask questions about served food. Your child should also know why it is important to look for an allergen in ingredients.</p><p>It is also important to tell all caregivers about your child’s allergy and any foods or drinks your child must avoid.</p><h3>Airborne allergens</h3><ul><li>Have a pet-free home. Or if you have a pet, keep it out of the child’s room and bathe it regularly.</li><li>Remove carpets and rugs from the home, especially from your child’s bedroom. Hard floor surfaces do not collect dust as much as carpets do. If you have carpeting, you should try to vacuum at least once a week.</li><li>Reduce the relative humidity in the home.</li><li>Wash bedding in hot water. This will help reduce dust mites.</li><li>Control contact with outdoor pollen by closing windows in peak seasons. Use an air conditioning system with a small-particle filter.</li><li>Get rid of items in the home that collect dust. These include heavy drapes or old, unclean furniture.</li><li>Clean your home often. Change your home furnace filter regularly as recommended.</li><li>Seal pillows and mattresses if your child is allergic to dust mites.</li><li>Keep bathrooms and other mould-prone areas clean and dry.</li></ul> | <h2>When to get medical help for an allergic reaction</h2><p>Call 911 or take your child to the nearest emergency department if they have anaphylaxis. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:</p><ul><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=789&language=English">hives</a>, itching, redness of the skin</li><li>swollen eyes, lips, tongue or face</li><li>difficulty breathing, tightness of the throat or difficulty swallowing</li><li>abdominal (belly) pain, nausea, vomiting or sudden onset of diarrhea</li><li>coughing</li><li>stuffy and/or runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=779&language=English">fainting</a>, confusion, lightheadedness or dizziness</li><li>rapid or irregular heartbeats</li><li>cold, clammy, sweaty skin</li><li>voice changes</li></ul><p>Your child should go to the nearest emergency department even if they have received epinephrine, as the symptoms can start again after the epinephrine is given.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Virtual care services for children<br></h2><p>Boomerang Health was opened by SickKids to provide communities in Ontario with greater access to community-based services for children and adolescents. For more information on virtual care services in Ontario to support a child with allergies, visit <a href="http://www.boomeranghealth.com/services/allergy/">Boomerang Health</a> powered by SickKids.<br></p> | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/allergies.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | allergies | allergies | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/allergies.jpg | | Read about what allergies are, types of allergens, the signs and symptoms of allergies and how to respond to an allergic reaction. | Main | | |
| Celiac disease | Celiac disease | Celiac disease | C | English | Gastrointestinal | Baby (1-12 months);Toddler (13-24 months);Preschooler (2-4 years);School age child (5-8 years);Pre-teen (9-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Small Intestine | Small intestine | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_celiac_disease_EN.jpg | 2021-03-15T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 9.20000000000000 | 56.6000000000000 | 1802.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Celiac disease is a lifelong condition. Learn about the symptoms of celiac disease, how celiac disease is diagnosed, how it is treated and how gluten affects people with celiac disease.</p> | <p>To learn about celiac disease through an interactive eLearning module, click the <strong>play</strong> button below.</p>
<a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Style%20Library/akh/animation/Module%201%20-%20Celiac%20Disease%20%20-%20Storyline%20output/story.html" target="_blank"><figure class="asset-c-80"><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Celiac-Disease-Module.jpg" alt="open celiac module" /></figure></a>
<h2>What is celiac disease?</h2><p>Celiac disease can affect people of all ages anywhere in the world. In people with celiac disease, any contact with gluten (a family of food proteins) triggers a reaction from the body’s defense (immune) system. This immune response to gluten causes damage to the gut (small intestine) lining. This is why celiac disease is called an autoimmune disease.</p><p>A healthy small intestine is lined with tiny finger-like projections, called villi, that stick up from the surface. Villi increase the area available to absorb nutrients from food. When children with celiac disease are exposed to gluten, the resulting immune reaction damages villi, which become flat. As a result:</p><ul><li>This may affect the absorption of nutrients. This is called malabsorption.</li><li>A lack of nutrients may affect growth and development.</li><li>It also may cause symptoms of celiac disease, such as
<a href="/Article?contentid=7&language=English"> diarrhea</a>, constipation and stomach pain.</li></ul>
<figure class="asset-c-100"><span class="asset-image-title">Celiac disease: Villi damage</span><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_celiac_disease_EN.jpg" alt="Inside view of small intestine, comparing behaviours of nutrients in intestine with healthy villi to one with celiac disease" /><figcaption class="asset-image-caption">A healthy small intestine is lined with finger-like projections (villi) which help the intestine to absorb nutrients. With celiac disease, the villi become damaged and flattened. This may affect the absorption of nutrients.</figcaption></figure>
<h2>What is gluten?</h2><p>Gluten is the common name of a family of proteins found in grains that cause the intestinal damage in celiac disease. Gliadin and glutenin are the two main gluten proteins.</p><p>Gluten is found in:</p><ul><li>all forms of wheat (including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, einkorn and farro)</li><li>wheat hybrids (including triticale which is a mix of wheat and rye)</li><li>rye</li><li>barley </li></ul> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which any contact with gluten (a family of food proteins) triggers a reaction from the body’s defense (immune) system.</li><li>Gluten is found in rye, barley, triticale and all forms of wheat.</li><li>In celiac disease, the lining of the small intestine is damaged by the immune system reaction. This means that it will be harder for your child’s body to get nutrients from foods.</li><li>Common symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, constipation, tiredness, headaches and poor growth. Some people experience no symptoms at all.</li><li>The only treatment for celiac disease is following a strict gluten-free diet for life. Your child should never start a gluten-free diet before your doctor confirms the diagnosis.</li></ul> | | <h2>Signs and symptoms of celiac disease</h2><p>Some people with celiac disease may have no symptoms at all.</p><p>However, many people with celiac disease experience a range of symptoms. When a person with celiac disease is exposed to gluten, they may have trouble with their gastrointestinal system, malabsorption-related issues and other symptoms. Below are some common symptoms of celiac disease. Some people may only have one of these symptoms, while others may experience multiple symptoms.</p>
<a href="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Poster_celiac_symptoms_ENG.pdf"><figure class="asset-small"><img alt="Download celiac symptoms poster PDF" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/celiac_symptoms_PDFdownload.jpg" /> </figure> </a>
<h3>Gastrointestinal system symptoms</h3><p>When a person with celiac disease is exposed to gluten, they may experience one or more of the following gastrointestinal symptoms:</p><ul><li>tummy pain and/or cramps</li><li><a href="/article?contentid=7&language=english">diarrhea</a></li><li>
<a href="/article?contentid=6&language=english">constipation</a></li><li>
<a href="/article?contentid=822&language=english">excessive gas</a></li><li>nausea</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=746&language=English">vomiting</a></li><li>bloating of the abdomen (tummy)</li><li>abdominal distension (expansion)</li><li>decrease in appetite</li></ul><h3>Malabsorption-related symptoms</h3><p>They may also experience one or more symptoms that are not related to the gastrointestinal system but are due to nutrient malabsorption. These may include:</p><ul><li>tiredness (fatigue)</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=841&language=English">anemia</a> (low blood haemoglobin from iron malabsorption)</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=1453&language=English">vitamin or mineral </a>deficiencies (e.g. iron, vitamins <a href="/Article?contentid=1447&language=English">D</a> and <a href="/Article?contentid=1446&language=English">B12</a>.)</li><li>poor growth (not as tall as expected)</li><li>weight loss or poor weight gain</li><li>delayed puberty</li></ul><h3>Brain</h3><p>A person with celiac disease may experience one or more symptoms affecting their mental health including:</p><ul><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=29&language=English">headaches</a> or migraines</li><li>difficulty concentrating</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=19&language=English">depression</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=18&language=English">anxiety</a></li><li>mood swings and irritability</li></ul><h3>Skin</h3><p>People with celiac disease may also experience skin conditions including:</p><ul><li>skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)</li><li>brittle nails</li></ul><h3>Mouth</h3><p>Symptoms of celiac disease that affect the mouth include:</p><ul><li>mouth sores</li><li>tooth enamel defects</li></ul><h3>Reproductive</h3><p>Both males and females with celiac disease may experience issues related to reproduction including:</p><ul><li>infertility (difficulty conceiving children, in both men and women)</li><li>miscarriage</li><li>menstrual irregularities</li></ul><h3>Body</h3><p>Other celiac disease symptoms that could affect parts of the body include:</p><ul><li>low bone density, including osteopenia (mild) or
<a href="/Article?contentid=948&language=English">osteoporosis </a> (more serious bone density problem)</li><li>joint pain</li><li>tiredness (fatigue)</li><li>liver and biliary tract disorders</li></ul> | <h2>Causes, risk factors and prevalence of celiac disease</h2><p>Celiac disease affects about 1 in 100 Canadians (roughly 350,000 people). It occurs in people all over the world, at any age and from all backgrounds. People develop celiac disease because of a combination of a genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. </p><p>People with a relative with celiac disease or who have certain genetic conditions (such as
<a href="/Article?contentid=9&language=English">Down syndrome</a> or
<a href="/Article?contentid=869&language=English">Turner syndrome</a>) are at higher risk of developing celiac disease.</p><p>People who already have one autoimmune condition, such as
<a href="/Article?contentid=1719&language=English">type 1 diabetes</a>, are at higher risk for developing other autoimmune conditions, such as celiac disease.</p> | | <h2>How celiac disease is diagnosed</h2><h3>Blood tests</h3><p>Doctors can order <a href="/article?contentid=36&language=english">blood tests</a> to screen for celiac disease. These blood tests look for immune proteins (called auto-antibodies) that the body has made in response to gluten in people with celiac disease.</p><p>The possible blood tests include:</p><ul><li>Anti-tissue transglutaminase (TTG) antibodies</li><li>Anti-deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) antibodies</li><li>Anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA)</li></ul><p>Your doctor does not need to order all of these blood tests to screen for celiac disease. </p><p>Depending on the results, your doctor or health-care provider will talk to you about further testing to confirm celiac disease. </p><h3>Upper endoscopy</h3><p>An
<a href="/Article?contentid=2472&language=English">upper endoscopy</a> may help confirm the diagnosis. An upper endoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to see the upper part of your child’s gastrointestinal system (from the mouth to the top part of the small intestine). Never start your child on a gluten-free diet before you know for sure whether an upper endoscopy is needed to confirm the diagnosis of celiac disease.</p>
<figure class="asset-c-80"><span class="asset-image-title">Upper endoscopy</span><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_endoscope_EN.jpg" alt="The esophagus, stomach and duodenum are identified with endoscope inserted through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach" /><figcaption class="asset-image-caption">During an upper endoscopy, a thin flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the mouth and down the esophagus to look at the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (top part of the small intestine).</figcaption> </figure>
<h3>Biopsy of the small intestine</h3><p>During an upper endoscopy, small pieces of tissue (biopsies) of the small intestine are taken; they will be examined under a microscope. If your child has celiac disease, the biopsy will show that the villi are damaged and flattened in the sample from the small intestine.</p><p>Never start your child on a gluten-free diet without first getting a confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease. If a biopsy is done after your child starts a gluten-free diet, your child’s villi may look normal because they will have had a chance to heal since the immune response will have stopped. The biopsy may give a false negative result, which means that the result is negative even though your child has celiac disease.</p><p>Talk to your child’s doctor for more information about screening for celiac disease.</p> | <h2>Treatment of celiac disease</h2><p>Celiac disease is a life-long condition. There is no cure or medication for celiac disease. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life. The diet will help with the symptoms and will keep your child healthy.</p><p>Even if your child has no symptoms, once diagnosed your child must follow a strict gluten-free diet for life for treatment of the disease. This means they must remove all sources of gluten from their diet. There are some obvious sources of gluten such as breads, pasta and baked goods. There are also many foods where gluten is hidden, such as soups, salad dressings and ice creams.</p><p>Some non-food products may also contain gluten, such as hand creams, medications or arts and crafts supplies like playdough. It is important for your child to limit skin contact with <a href="/Article?contentid=956&language=English">gluten-containing products</a> as it is possible for people with celiac disease to transfer gluten from their skin to their mouth and gut when they are in contact with gluten, which is not safe. Contact with gluten can also trigger skin reactions in some people with celiac disease.</p><h3>Starting treatment: The gluten-free diet</h3><p>Once gluten is removed from your child’s diet, the small intestine will start to heal. Your child should start to feel better and symptoms should improve after about six months of being strictly gluten-free. </p><h3>Maintaining treatment: Sticking to a gluten-free diet for life</h3><p>Do not stop the gluten-free diet if your child’s symptoms improve. Your child is feeling better because the gluten-free diet is working. If your child stops the gluten-free diet, the villi in the small intestine will become damaged and flattened again, even if they have no symptoms. Any previous symptoms will also return if your child does not follow a strict gluten-free diet.
</p><p>If your child’s symptoms of celiac disease do not improve after six months, contact your child's doctor.</p><p>These
<a href="/Article?contentid=957&language=English">tips and resources</a> can help you and your child stick to a strict gluten-free diet.</p><h3>What happens without a gluten-free diet?</h3><p>Gluten is toxic to people with celiac disease because it triggers an immune reaction even if your child shows no symptoms.</p><p>If your child continues to be exposed to gluten, celiac disease may lead to future health problems including:</p><ul><li>low bone density (osteopenia or osteoporosis)</li><li>some small bowel cancers</li><li>other autoimmune diseases (for example thyroid problems)</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=1453&language=English">vitamins and mineral</a> deficiencies because of malabsorption</li><li>
<a href="/prematurebabies?topic=prematurebabiesabout">premature delivery</a> if pregnant</li></ul><p>If your child follows a strict gluten-free diet for life, their chances of getting these conditions become the same as the general healthy population.</p><p>Children with celiac disease that is not treated are at special risk. Malnutrition during childhood can have significant effects on growth and development. This is why it is so important for your child to remain on a strict gluten-free diet at all times.</p> | | <h2>Monitoring your child’s symptoms</h2><p>After the diagnosis, no other upper endoscopy is usually needed. Your child will have more blood tests that check anti-TTG antibody levels. As your child continues a strict gluten-free diet, their antibody levels should lower to normal levels. This may take up to 2 years. High antibody levels tell the doctor that your child was probably exposed to gluten.</p><p>Your child’s doctor will also make sure that your child is growing well. If your child had symptoms at the time of diagnosis, they should improve while on a strict gluten-free diet.</p> | | <h2>When to see a doctor</h2>
<p>See your child’s doctor if:</p>
<ul>
<li>your child’s symptoms remain after more than six months of following a strict gluten-free diet</li>
<li>your child’s symptoms worsen</li>
</ul>
<p>Your child’s doctor may refer you to a dietitian. A dietitian can give you more advice about celiac disease, how to plan a gluten-free diet, and how to get a balance of nutrients while following a gluten-free diet.<br></p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | May is Celiac Awareness Month. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and how gluten affects people with celiac disease. | Main | | |
| Helping your child cope with a brain tumour | Helping your child cope with a brain tumour | Helping your child cope with a brain tumour | H | English | Neurology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Brain | Nervous system | NA | Adult (19+) | NA | | 2022-01-10T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 8.80000000000000 | 58.3000000000000 | 645.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Find advice to help you with the extremely difficult task of helping your child cope and adjust to a brain tumour diagnosis. </p> | <p>You, your child(ren), and other family members may cope differently with the impact of a brain tumour diagnosis and treatment. Try to foster an open and supportive space for expression of feelings, thoughts, and questions. While diagnosis and treatment may impact your daily lives, working to maintain some structure can help with adjustment to this experience. Keep in mind that you may also need to adopt new routines to accommodate for changes.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Before adopting any coping strategies, consider your family's value systems and communication styles.</li><li>There are different coping strategies you can use for your child(ren), friends, and family.</li></ul> | <h2>Coping strategies for your child</h2><p>Before adopting any particular coping strategies, consider your family's value systems and communication styles. Here are some suggestions that may help your child cope:</p><ul><li>Encourage your child to express their feelings in an age-appropriate way. This can help them feel understood and supported. For younger children, encourage play — drawing or role-playing with puppets/dolls — to help them process what they are going through.</li><li>Make your child the expert. Children can benefit from talking to others about what happened at the hospital and how they dealt with it. For example, having an IV line placed or doing an imaging test.</li><li>Talk to your child and prepare them for what they may experience. Create opportunities for them to ask questions. If they ask you questions that you feel unable to answer, ask your child’s treatment team for assistance.</li><li>Maintain structure as much as possible but be flexible as needed. For example, it may be beneficial to keep regular, daily bed-time routines; continue with behavior expectations typical for your child pre-diagnosis; etc.</li><li>Try to focus on things other than the brain tumour. Children can lead active and busy lives. Although your child’s activities may be affected by the treatment, try to focus on their interests and let them participate in activities when possible If your child cannot engage in physical or recreational activities anymore, think of alternate ways they can participate. When admitted, there are many activities, such as art/music therapy, games, etc., that your child can safely partake in. Your child's treatment team and/or school can work to help identify plans between settings.</li></ul><h2>Coping strategies: Including child's friends</h2><ul><li>Find support for your child from peers. Help your child keep in touch with friends, classmates, and siblings as much as possible through letters, e-mails, cards, and videos. You may be able to set up a website for your child that friends can check.</li><li>Encourage your child's friends to visit them in the hospital or at home when safe to do so.</li><li>Find support groups for children with similar conditions through the hospital or community organizations.</li></ul><h2>Coping strategies for your family</h2><ul><li>Follow the same rules at home with your child as you would before the diagnosis. For example, if you suddenly allow your ill child to engage in a behavior you would not usually permit, they will sense that something is wrong. This may create anxiety in your child and resentment in their sibling(s).</li><li>Don’t buy or allow your child lots of gifts. Although they may be happy briefly, getting gifts is not part of “normal” life and can create feelings of worry or unrealistic expectations. A few small gifts to reward their courage may be appropriate.</li></ul><h2>Guided meditations for parents and children</h2><p>Listening to a guided meditation can be a helpful way to cope with stress and focus on your thoughts. The following meditations can be used by children, teenagers and caregivers whenever you feel overwhelmed, stressed or need to bring yourself back into the present moment.</p><h3>Mental health meditations</h3><div class="asset-video">
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLjJtOP3StIuXFJ3jjjR3THLhHNMrFFJkM" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div><h3>Audio meditations</h3><div class="asset-video">
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLjJtOP3StIuUqygVImi9jHrS0JmqZFpWw" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/helping_your_child_cope_with_a_brain_tumour.jpg | Helping a child cope with a brain tumour | | Main | | |
| Iron deficiency anemia and protein-losing enteropathy related to excessive milk intake | Iron deficiency anemia and protein-losing enteropathy related to excessive milk intake | Iron deficiency anemia and protein-losing enteropathy related to excessive milk intake | I | English | Nutrition | Child (0-12 years) | NA | NA | Conditions and diseases | Adult (19+)
Caregivers | NA | | 2019-01-16T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 9.00000000000000 | 55.4000000000000 | 2219.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Milk can be a part of a healthy, balanced diet. However, drinking too much milk can lead to low levels of iron in the blood and some children can then lose protein from the gut.<br></p> | <h2>Excessive milk intake</h2><p>The recommended amount of cow’s milk for toddlers is 250 to 500 mL (1–2 cups or 8–16 oz.) per day. Some toddlers drink more milk than the recommended number of servings. This "milk diet" can lead to iron deficiency. A small group of these children also experience protein loss from the digestive system or gut. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia (low red blood cell count) and protein loss leads to hypoalbuminemia (low levels of albumin in the blood). Treatment usually requires limiting milk intake, offering iron rich solid food, and in children with moderate to severe anemia, iron supplements.</p>
| <p>Breast milk or formula is a good source of iron for the first six months of life. Iron stores in babies naturally decrease by four to six months of age. After six months, the amount of iron in breast milk is not enough, and solid foods are usually introduced.</p><p>When introducing solid foods, infants should start with meat or meat alternatives, in order to get enough iron and protein in their diet. Meat alternatives include fish, egg yolk, tofu, lentils and cheese. Iron-fortified cereals are also a good source of iron that can be started at four to six months of age. Breast milk and/or formula should continue until nine to 12 months of age, when homogenized (3.25%) cow’s milk may be started to complement solid food.</p><h3>Iron deficiency anemia</h3><p>Iron is an important mineral that we get from our diet that is needed to make haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that allows the cells to carry oxygen to the tissues in our body. Anemia occurs when you have low levels of haemoglobin in your body. When the anemia is caused by not having enough iron this is called iron deficiency anemia.</p><p>When a child has anemia, they are not getting enough oxygen delivered to the tissues in their body. This can cause them to look pale and tired, and cause weakness.</p><h3>Protein losing enteropathy</h3>
<p>Drinking too much milk can also cause protein loss from the gut (protein losing enteropathy).</p><p>Children with protein losing enteropathy have severe protein loss through the gut and this results in low protein levels in the blood.</p><p>The main protein found in the blood is called albumin. Having low levels of the protein albumin in the blood (hypoalbuminemia) can cause the blood vessels to leak fluid into the tissue. Extra fluid in the tissue can cause swelling (edema) of the legs, back and face. Hypoalbuminemia also puts you at risk for infections.</p><p>Hypoalbuminemia and edema can be caused by other disorders. Your child’s doctor will ask questions about your child’s overall health, symptoms of diarrhea or blood in the stool, and family history of gut, liver, kidney or heart diseases.</p><p>If there are no other causes for protein loss, it is possible that too much milk is the cause.</p> | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Too much milk can lead to iron deficiency anemia and protein loss from the gut.</li><li>Milk intake should be limited to a maximum of 500 mL (2 cups or 16 oz.) per day for toddlers and young children.</li><li>The main treatment for iron deficiency and protein loss from the gut due to excess milk intake is to reduce the amount of milk your child drinks and to increase the amount iron rich foods in their diet. For moderate to severe anemia, iron supplements are also needed.</li><li>See a doctor if your child drinks a lot of milk and is tired, weak, pale or has a swollen face, legs and feet.</li>
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| | <h2>Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia and protein losing enteropathy</h2><p>Symptoms of anemia depend upon its severity, how fast the drop in levels of haemoglobin occurred and its cause. It also depends on how well a child’s body adapts to a low level of haemoglobin.</p><p>Symptoms of anemia include:</p><ul><li>pale skin</li><li>lack of energy</li><li>shortness of breath after exercise or play</li></ul><p>Protein losing enteropathy and hypoalbuminemia causes the blood vessels to leak fluid into surrounding tissue.<br></p><p>Symptoms of protein losing enteropathy and hypoalbuminemia include:</p><ul><li>progressive swelling of the feet, legs and face</li><li>muscle cramps or weakness</li><li>extra fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion)</li><li>swelling of the abdomen (ascites)</li></ul>
| <h2>Risk factors and prevalence of iron deficiency anemia</h2><p>Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia.</p><p>Around the world, iron deficiency anemia affects approximately 750 million children. In Canada, it is seen in 3.5% to 10.5% of the general population. Children have a greater risk of iron deficiency anemia due to their rapid growth, particularly in the first two years of life.</p><p>Children who are most at risk of developing iron deficiency anemia are those who are fed only breast milk or non-iron fortified cow’s milk formulas after six months of age, and those who drink an excess of cow’s milk. Children who are given cow’s milk before 12 months may also be at increased risk of developing iron deficiency anemia because their gut may not be ready to digest cow’s milk yet.</p>
| <h2>Cause of iron deficiency anemia and protein losing enteropathy</h2><h3>Iron deficiency anemia</h3><p>Iron deficiency anemia from excessive milk intake is caused by three things.</p><ul><li><strong>Not enough iron:</strong> Milk contains very little iron. In addition, if a child drinks too much milk, they will be too full to eat good amounts of iron rich foods.</li><li><strong>Poor iron absorption:</strong> Milk and other dairy products can interfere with the gut’s ability to absorb iron from other sources, such as meat and meat alternatives, and dark green vegetables.</li><li><strong>Microscopic bleeding:</strong> Too much milk can damage the lining of the gut (milk enteropathy). Milk enteropathy causes microscopic bleeding from the gut that you may not be able to see. Any type of bleeding from the body results in a loss of iron. Over time, this bleeding can cause very low levels of haemoglobin, contributing to the iron deficiency anemia.</li></ul><h3>Protein losing enteropathy</h3><p>It is not fully understood how milk intake leads to protein loss in the gut. One theory suggests a process called villous atrophy. The small intestine part of our gut has finger-like projections on its walls called villi. The villi play an important role in the absorption of nutrients. It is believed that an excess intake of cow’s milk can cause the villi to shrink (villous atrophy) and not absorb nutrients well. Villous atrophy causes the bowel walls to become leaky, allowing protein to leak through.</p> | <h2>Diagnosis of anemia and protein losing enteropathy</h2><h3>Iron deficiency anemia</h3><p>Iron deficiency anemia can be diagnosed by your child’s doctor. They will do a physical exam and ask about your child’s energy levels, general health, diet and family history.</p><p>A blood test, called a complete blood cell count (CBC), can make the diagnosis of anemia by measuring haemoglobin levels. When the anemia is caused by iron deficiency, the red blood cells will also look smaller and lighter in colour when seen under a microscope.</p><p>A ferritin test may also be done. Ferritin is a protein found in the body that stores iron. A low ferritin level can indicate iron-deficiency.</p><p>Additional useful tests that measure the body’s iron are called iron studies.</p><h3>Protein losing enteropathy</h3><p>Protein losing enteropathy and hypoalbuminemia are suspected in children with swelling and low albumin levels in the blood. Your child’s doctor will examine them for swelling of the legs, feet and face. They will also examine your child’s heart, lungs and abdomen for extra fluid.</p><p>A blood test is often done to check the blood albumin level. A urine test may also be done to make sure there is no protein loss from the kidneys. When the cause of low albumin is not clear, further tests may be done including stool tests. One of the stool tests that may be performed is a 24-hour collection of stool to check for a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin. By comparing the amount of this protein in the stool to the amount in the blood, doctors can tell whether there is protein loss through the gut.</p>
| <h2>Treatment of iron deficiency</h2><h3>Diet</h3><p>Limiting milk intake to a maximum of 16 ounces per day is usually the only treatment needed. The iron levels will gradually rise and protein loss from the gut will decrease.</p><p>Iron rich foods can also help to treat iron deficiency. Many iron rich foods, such as meat and meat alternatives, are also high in protein. Offer your child foods such as meat and meat alternatives, and iron-fortified cereals a few times each day. From one year of age, young children should begin to have a regular schedule of meals and snacks. In general, you may follow the advice in <a href="https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/">Canada’s Food Guide</a>.</p><p>Limiting milk does not mean stopping it completely. It is known that milk is a good source of calcium, vitamin A and vitamin D. From one to two years of age, children should drink 250 to 500 mL (1–2 cups or 8–16 oz.) of homogenized (3.25% M.F.) cow’s milk per day. They should not drink more than 500 mL (2 cups or 16 oz.) per day.</p>
<h3>Iron supplement</h3><p>Your child’s doctor might also prescribe iron supplements. After a few weeks, values such as the haemoglobin level generally start to improve. Treatment is usually continued for at least three months to fully replenish iron stores in the body.</p><p>Iron supplementation can cause an upset stomach. Your doctor might divide the dose in half and ask you to give it two times per day instead of as one large daily dose.</p><p>Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) can have a negative effect on the absorption of iron. Try to give iron supplements two hours before or after eating or drinking any dairy products.</p><p>Vitamin C can help iron absorption from foods. Oranges and other citrus fruit are good sources of vitamin C. Be careful with offering too much juice, as it is high in sugar.</p><p>Protein losing enteropathy and hypoalbuminemia caused by too much milk gets better fairly quickly when the milk intake is limited to an appropriate amount.</p> | <h2>Complications of anemia and hypoalbuminemia</h2><p>Untreated anemia in children can have serious effects on a child’s growth. Untreated anemia can affect intellectual ability and overall development. This can lead to problems with attention, reading ability and school performance. In rare cases, extreme anemia can cause a stroke.</p><p>Hypoalbuminemia can also have serious effects on a child’s growth. Excess fluid around the lungs can cause problems with breathing. In rare cases, excess fluid can build up around the heart making it harder for the heart to pump. Protein loss in the gut can also cause a loss of the proteins needed to fight infection and prevent clots, putting children at risk of severe infections or blood clots.</p>
| <h2>Helping your child</h2><p>Limiting milk intake can be challenging. Many toddlers enjoy drinking milk in a bottle, and associate drinking milk with their bedtime ritual.</p><p>Here are some tips on how to help limit your child’s milk intake:</p><ul><li>If your child drinks more than 1200 mL (5 cups or 40 oz.) of milk per day, wean them slowly to smaller amounts. Cut the amount by half to start.</li><li>Offer solid foods first and only offer milk at the end of the meal. Alternatively, you could offer water with meals and milk only a couple of times a day with a snack. This way your child will not fill up on milk first.</li><li>Switch to a sippy cup early. This will prevent your child from taking the milk to bed and associating drinking milk with falling asleep.</li><li>Do not allow your child to sleep with a bottle of milk in bed. If you are having trouble with this then slowly start to dilute the milk with water until you are offering just water. This will also help in avoiding dental caries.</li>
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| | | <h2>Follow-up</h2><p>Iron supplementation should be continued for at least three to six months to replenish the amount of iron that is stored in the body.</p><p>After starting treatment, your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment. A repeat blood test is not always needed if your child’s symptoms improve with iron treatment and changes in diet.</p>
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Virtual care services for children<br></h2><p>Boomerang Health was opened by SickKids to provide communities in Ontario with greater access to community-based services for children and adolescents. For more information on virtual care services in Ontario to support anemia, visit <a href="http://www.boomeranghealth.com/services/nutrition/">Boomerang Health</a> powered by SickKids.<br></p> | <h2>References</h2><ol><li>Abdullah, K., Zlotkin, S., Parkin, P. & Grenier, D. Iron-deficiency Anemia in Children. Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program, resource article, 2011 (Accessed December 3, 2017).</li><li>Allen, R.E. & Myers, A.L. Nutrition in Toddlers. American Family Physician. 2006; 74(9): 1526-1532.</li><li>Bondi, S.A. & Lieuw, K. Excessive Cow’s Milk Consumption and Iron Deficiency in Toddlers: Two Unusual Presentations and Review. Infant, Child, & Adolescent Nutrition. 2009; 1(3). DOI: 10.1177/1941406409335481.</li><li>Critch, J.N. Nutrition for healthy term infants, six to 24 months: An overview. Paediatric Child Health. 2014; 19(10): 547-549.</li><li>Food Sources of Iron. Dietitians of Canada. (Accessed December 3, 2017).</li><li>Grueger, B. Weaning from the Breast. Paediatric Child Health 2013; 18(4): 210.</li><li>Kazal, L.A. Prevention of Iron Deficiency in Infants and Toddlers. American Family Physician. 2002; 66(7): 1217-1224.</li><li>Rabinowitz, S. & Ebigbo, N. Pediatric Protein-Losing Enteropathy. Medscape, Pediatrics; General Medicine, 2017 < https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/931647-overview> (Accessed December 3, 2017).</li></ol>
| | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Drinks_for_your_toddler_or_preschooler.jpg | Excessive milk intake | Milk is part of a healthy diet. But too much milk can lead to low levels of iron in the blood and some children can lose protein from the gut. | Main | | |
| Nutrition and mental health: Developing positive eating habits | Nutrition and mental health: Developing positive eating habits | Nutrition and mental health: Developing positive eating habits | N | English | Nutrition;Psychiatry;Adolescent | Teen (13-18 years) | Body | NA | Healthy living and prevention | Teen (13-18 years) | NA | | 2019-03-22T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 10.0000000000000 | 61.0000000000000 | 453.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | | <p>Developing positive eating habits can be difficult. Find out some things you can do every day to work toward having a healthy attitude toward food.</p> | | | <h2>Plan and prepare meals</h2><p>Get involved in planning, shopping and preparing family meals. Doing so will help you learn to shop smartly, understand food labels and develop your skills in the kitchen. You may even enjoy sharing some of your favourite recipes with friends and family.</p><p>If you find yourself always rushing out the door to school or work, try preparing a breakfast wrap or some yogurt and fruit the night before. Breakfast is an important meal that will set you up for the day ahead!</p><h2>Eat as a family</h2><p>Busy schedules and after-school activities can make it hard to sit down to eat with your family every night. But sharing a meal with those closest to you even a few times a week without any distractions is a great way to strengthen family bonds, have fun and, if needed, share support after a tough day. These all help to boost self-confidence and communication skills, help improve how you perform at school and lower the incidence of weight issues and substance use disorders.</p><h2>Develop a healthy body image </h2><p>Like many teens, you probably see a constant stream of images and messages about physical appearance. With such highly promoted but narrow standards of beauty and fitness, it is hard to escape the idea that you should look a certain way. </p><p>When you feel overwhelmed by pressure to conform to an ideal body type, try to remember all the great things your body can do instead of simply how it looks. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder can take root when someone feels badly about themselves and their appearance. Be sure to share any concerns about your body image with a parent, caregiver or another trusted adult. </p><h2>Keep a healthy attitude to food</h2><p>While most of your diet should be
<a href="/Article?contentid=3773&language=English">rich in nutrients</a>, it is also ok to have some treats now and then. Rather than latching onto the latest fad diet or banning particular foods (unless you have an allergy):</p><ul><li>focus on eating the right amount of calories for your stage of growth and level of physical activity</li><li>consider eating more of one thing and less of another (for instance, more fruit and less juice or more grilled food and less fried)</li><li>consume a variety of foods, from all food groups, to help your brain and body work as well as possible</li></ul><p>The less control you feel you need to exert over food, the healthier your attitude towards it. That said, if you have any concerns about eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight for you and your needs, talk to a healthcare provider, your doctor or a dietitian.<br></p><h2>We want to hear from you!</h2><p>AboutKidsHealth is trying to improve the information and education we provide young people (aged 12-18) and families through our website. Please take 5 minutes to complete our
<a class="redcap-survey" href="https://surveys.sickkids.ca/surveys/?s=XHD3EK3XD4">Adolsecent Health Learning Hub survey</a>.</p><br> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Resources</h2><p>
<a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/listing_of_vitamins">Harvard Health Publishing - Listing of vitamins</a></p><p>
<a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/food-and-mood/#.XJU1eBNKiWZ">Mind (UK) - Food and mood</a><br></p><p>
<a href="https://meant2preventkitchen.ca/">Meant2Prevent: Kitchen</a></p><h3>Kids Help Phone – <a href="https://kidshelpphone.ca/">kidshelpphone.ca</a></h3><p>Kids Help Phone is a 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people.</p><p>
<a href="https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/what-body-image-and-why-it-important"> What is body image and why is it important?</a></p> | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/developing_positive_eating_habits.jpg | Developing positive eating habits | Developing positive eating habits can be difficult. Find out what your teen can do every day to develop a healthy attitude toward food. | Teens | | |
