Best Child Gastroenterologist in Ahmedabad: Meet Dr. Kinisha Patel

When it comes to your child’s health, finding the right specialist can make all the difference. Gastrointestinal issues in children can be challenging to diagnose and manage, as they often require a careful, patient-centered approach. If you’re searching for the best child gastroenterologist in Ahmedabad, look no further than Dr. Kinisha Patel. With her expertise, compassionate care, and dedication to pediatric gastroenterology, Dr. Patel has become one of the most trusted professionals for young patients in the city.

Who is Dr. Kinisha Patel?

Dr. Kinisha Patel is a highly qualified pediatric gastroenterologist with years of experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions in children. From common digestive issues to more complex disorders, Dr. Patel provides specialized care for infants, children, and teenagers. Her approach combines medical expertise with a deep understanding of the emotional and physical needs of young patients, making her a go-to expert for families in Ahmedabad and beyond.

Why Choose a Pediatric Gastroenterologist?

Gastrointestinal issues in children can vary widely, from abdominal pain, reflux, and constipation to more severe conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. These issues not only affect physical health but can also impact a child’s growth, development, and quality of life.

Choosing a pediatric gastroenterologist, like Dr. Kinisha Patel, is crucial because children’s digestive systems are different from adults. Dr. Patel has dedicated her career to understanding these nuances and providing tailored treatments that ensure children receive the most effective, safe, and minimally invasive care.

Conditions Treated by Dr. Kinisha Patel
As one of the best child gastroenterologists in Ahmedabad, Dr. Patel treats a variety of pediatric digestive issues, including:

Abdominal pain: Persistent stomach aches in children can be due to a variety of causes. Dr. Patel uses gentle yet comprehensive diagnostics to pinpoint the issue and provide relief.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Common in infants and young children, GERD requires careful management to prevent discomfort and long-term issues.
Constipation and digestive disorders: With a holistic approach, Dr. Patel helps address these common concerns in children.
Liver diseases: Conditions like hepatitis and fatty liver can affect children, and Dr. Patel offers the expertise needed for accurate diagnosis and management.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can severely impact a child’s life. Dr. Patel provides advanced care to manage these conditions effectively.
Food allergies and intolerances: Dr. Patel helps families identify and manage allergies, improving the child’s diet and quality of life.

What Makes Dr. Kinisha Patel Stand Out?

Dr. Kinisha Patel’s approach to pediatric gastroenterology goes beyond just medical treatment. She emphasizes clear communication, helping parents and children understand their health and treatment options. Her clinic in Ahmedabad is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that patients receive the best care possible.

Patient testimonials often highlight Dr. Patel’s compassionate approach, patience, and ability to put children at ease. This unique combination of skills has made her one of the most respected pediatric gastroenterologists in the region.

Schedule a Consultation
If you’re in Ahmedabad and need a trusted, experienced gastroenterologist for your child, Dr. Kinisha Patel is here to help. With a commitment to compassionate, high-quality care, she stands out as the best child gastroenterologist in Ahmedabad. Book a consultation today and give your child the care they deserve.

Understanding Liver Health in Children: A Guide for Parents

Liver health is crucial for children as it plays a significant role in their overall growth and development. Understanding how to maintain a healthy liver can help prevent various liver diseases and promote a healthier lifestyle for kids.

 

What Does the Liver Do?

The liver is the largest internal organ and performs several essential functions, including:

– Digestive Aid:

It produces bile, which helps digest fats and absorb vitamins from food.

-Nutrient Storage:

The liver stores vitamins and minerals, providing energy and nutrients as needed.

– DetoxificationIt:

It filters toxins from the blood, helping to keep the body clean and healthy.

– Immune Support:

The liver contributes to a strong immune system by fighting off infections and illnesses.

 

Common Liver Conditions in Children

While liver diseases are less common in children than in adults, several conditions can affect pediatric liver health:

-Hepatitis:

This is an inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections such as Hepatitis A, B, or C. Hepatitis A can be contracted through contaminated food or water, while Hepatitis B and C are often spread through blood or bodily fluids

– Fatty Liver Disease:

This condition occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, often linked to obesity and poor dietary choices. It can lead to inflammation and liver damage if not addressed.

– Genetic Disorders:

Some children may be born with liver diseases, such as Wilson’s disease, which causes copper accumulation in the body, or hemochromatosis, where the body stores too much iron

– Metabolic disorders:

Disorders related to carbohydrate, protein or fat metabolism can be present like storage disorders in early childhood

 

Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Liver Healthy

 

  1. Healthy Eating: Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit sugary snacks and processed foods, which can contribute to liver problems.

 

  1. Stay Active: Regular physical activity is essential. Aim for at least 60 minutes of exercise each day to help maintain a healthy weight and support liver function.

 

  1. Hydration: Ensure your child drinks plenty of water to help the liver flush out toxins effectively.

 

  1. Vaccinations: Ensure your child is vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B to protect against these viral infections.

 

  1. Regular Check-ups: Schedule routine pediatric visits that include liver function tests if there are any concerns about liver health.

 

Conclusion

Promoting liver health in children is vital for their overall well-being. By encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and being aware of potential liver issues, parents can help their children maintain a healthy liver and prevent future health problems.

What Happens When a Child’s Digestive System Is Not Working Properly?

A well-functioning digestive system is crucial for a child’s overall health and development. When the digestive system is not working properly, it can lead to a range of issues that affect not just physical health but also emotional well-being and daily activities.

Common Digestive Problems in Children

1. Constipation
This occurs when a child has infrequent or difficult bowel movements. It can cause discomfort, pain, and irritability. Long-term constipation can lead to more severe issues, such as fecal impaction, fissure, rectal prolapse.

2. Diarrhea
Frequent loose or watery stools can result from infections, dietary intolerances, or other medical conditions. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is particularly dangerous for young children.

3. Abdominal Pain
Persistent stomach aches may indicate underlying digestive issues. It can be caused by various factors, including gas buildup, food intolerances, or infections. Long duration pain with other significant symptoms could be due to various pathological causes or surgical problems.

4. Nausea and Vomiting
These symptoms can arise from a range of issues, including infections, overeating, or food allergies.

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
This condition involves stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and sometimes leading to feeding difficulties.

Effects on Health and Behavior

When a child’s digestive system is not functioning properly, several consequences may arise:

– Nutritional Deficiencies: Poor digestion can hinder the absorption of essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies that affect growth, energy levels, and immune function.

– Behavioral Issues: Discomfort and pain from digestive problems can lead to irritability, anxiety, and changes in behavior. Children may become withdrawn or show increased tantrums due to discomfort.

– Sleep Disturbances: Abdominal pain or discomfort can disrupt a child’s sleep patterns, leading to increased fatigue and difficulties in concentration during the day.

– Social Challenges: Frequent digestive issues may cause children to avoid social situations, especially those involving food, leading to isolation or difficulty making friends.

When to Seek Help?

Parents should consult a healthcare professional if their child experiences:

– Persistent abdominal pain
– Severe constipation or diarrhea
– Blood in stools
– Unexplained weight loss
– Signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, reduced urine output)

Infantile colic is a common condition causing abdominal discomfort in newborns during the first few weeks after birth

Infantile colic is a common condition causing abdominal discomfort in newborns during the first few weeks after birth. Infantile colic, which is a benign condition occurring in the second or third week of their lives. Persistent and inconsolable crying in infants characterizes infantile colic, which affects nearly 20% of newborns and infants. Symptoms reach their peak around 6 weeks and typically resolve by the age of 12 weeks.

Generally, the episodes associated with colic have a clear beginning and end, and they occur during the evening hours. The behavior of a newborn or infant can vary between being happy, sleeping, playing, or eating, and the specific triggers for these behaviors are not known. The cry associated with colic is typically louder and more urgent and is sometimes described as screaming. Less than 10% of infants with excessive and inconsolable crying have an organic cause, and standard soothing techniques are often ineffective. Most infants resolve colic spontaneously, with no lasting effects.

Diagnostic criteria:

  • The symptoms start and stop when the newborn or infant is younger than 5 months.
  • Recurrent and prolonged periods of crying, fussing, or irritability without an apparent cause that caregivers cannot prevent or resolve.
  • No evidence of poor weight gain, fever, or illness.

Colic differs from normal crying in several ways, some of which are mentioned below.

  • Colic episodes typically last for more than 3 hours a day.
  • Each episode has a sudden onset, often occurring in the evening.
  • The crying is intense, loud, and high-pitched.
  • Infants and newborns with colic may exhibit physical symptoms and are difficult to soothe, regardless of the efforts.

Treatment

Active strategies to help manage infantile colic include:

  • Seeking help when needed.
  • Safely placing the baby in their crib and walking away for a few minutes when frustrated.
  • Discussing feeding technique adjustments with a healthcare provider for both formula-fed and breastfed infants.
  • Soothing the baby with holding or a front carrier.
  • Contemplating the use of pacifiers, car rides, or white noise machines.
  • Speaking with a healthcare provider before administering medications or herbal remedies to address infantile colic, as, currently, no FDA-approved medications exist for treating infantile colic.
  • Offering massage to infants to help alleviate their pain, although this technique has not yet been proven.
  • Trial of feeding a bottle-fed baby vertically, using a curved bottle, burping the baby frequently, or using a bottle with a collapsible bag to diminish the amount of swallowed air

Most studies on simethicone show no effect, with inconsistent results. Although using the anticholinergic medication dicyclomine decreases infantile colic crying time in infants, its potential adverse effects, including respiratory depression, apnea, seizures, and muscular hypotonia, make it unsafe for newborns and infants.

There is stronger evidence regarding the potential positive effects of probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation among breastfed infants.

Colic is a temporary condition that typically resolves on its own. Although the condition can be challenging for families, no evidence suggests it leads to long-term issues in children.

biliary atresia symptoms, Causes, treated, surgery and diagnosis

Biliary Atresia Symptoms, Causes, Treated, Surgery and Diagnosis

What is biliary atresia?

Biliary atresia is a condition in new born babies in which the bile ducts (tubes draining bile from liver to intestine) are blocked or absent.

Bile is a substance that is made and released by the liver. From the liver, it moves through a network of tube-like structures called bile ducts to the small intestine, where it helps the body break down and absorb food.

In children who have biliary atresia, the bile ducts are blocked because of damage and scarring. As a result, bile can’t flow to the small intestine. Instead, it builds up in the liver and damages it.

Who is affected by biliary atresia?

Biliary atresia is a relatively rare condition present in new born babies. There is no typical predisposition for any gender, race. Any baby can present with typical symptoms beyond first 2 weeks of life.

What are the causes of biliary atresia?

The exact causes of biliary atresia are not known, but may include:

  • Inflammation (swelling) and scarring caused by problems with the immune system
  • Infection by a virus
  • Exposure to harmful chemicals
  • Mutations (changes) in the genes. 
  • In some babies, it is congenital. About one out of every 10 babies suffering from Biliary Atresia also suffer from other congenital problems. 
  • Biliary atresia is not inherited from the baby’s parents.

This disease is not hereditary, contagious and preventable. It is also not related to a mother’s health or mother did or didn’t do during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of biliary atresia?

The first sign of biliary atresia is jaundice (skin and eyes appear yellow), a condition in which there is too much bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a substance produced when red blood cells break down. Although most newborns have some degree of jaundice in the first week of life, if it is still present after two weeks, it should be checked out by a doctor.

The baby’s stools color is identical- pale/clay/white

Other signs and symptoms of biliary atresia include:

  • Dark brown urine
  • A swollen belly (as the liver and spleen grow)
  • Difficulty gaining weight
  • Ascites (fluid in the belly)
  • Liver failure after several months if the biliary atresia is not treated

How is biliary atresia diagnosed?

To diagnose biliary atresia, the doctor will take the baby’s medical history and perform a physical examination. A pediatric hepatologist, a doctor who specializes in working with children who have liver diseases, may also order certain tests, including:

  • Blood tests to check the levels of bilirubin and to look for signs of liver damage
  • Ultrasound, a procedure that transmits high-frequency sound waves through body tissues. The echoes are recorded and transformed into images of the internal structures of the body.
  • Liver biopsy (the removal of cells or tissue from the liver for examination)
  • Hepatobiliary scan, in which a radioactive substance (tracer) is injected into the bloodstream. If the tracer is not excreted through the liver, the patient may have biliary atresia.
  • Cholangiogram, a surgical invasive procedure in which dye is injected into the gallbladder to see if it has a main bile duct. If it does not, the doctor can diagnose biliary atresia.

How is biliary atresia treated?

There is no cure for biliary atresia. The main treatment is a surgery called the Kasai procedure. In this surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged bile ducts from outside the liver and replaces them with a piece of the patient’s small intestine. The small intestine will then drain the liver directly to the small intestine.

It should be usually performed as early as possible within 90 days of life for good outcome.

If the surgery is not successful, the child will likely need a liver transplant. The child may need a liver transplant even if the surgery is successful, depending on when the surgery is performed & how the liver condition at the time of surgery.

What are the risks of surgery for biliary atresia?

  • Bleeding
  • Cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts and liver)
  • Perforation – Hole in the intestine, which can cause a leakage of the intestinal contents into the belly
  • Blockage of the intestine caused by scarring

What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients who have biliary atresia?

If the child does not have surgery, he or she will usually not live past age 2 without a liver transplant. After the Kasai procedure, how long a child will live without a liver transplant depends on when the procedure was done and the condition of the liver at the time of surgery. Even with a successful surgery, many patients will need a liver transplant at some point in their lives.

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When should you contact hepatologist Dr Kinisha Patel

Paediatric hepatologist is a super specialist doctor who diagnose and treat liver and biliary diseases
in children.
Liver diseases in children are different than adults as they have varied presentation, as most of them
are progressive from birth or from early infancy.

COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF LIVER DISEASE:

  • Jaundice – yellow eyes, skin
  • Dark color urine
  • Change in stool color (Pale yellow or clay or white)
  • Abdominal distension (Fluid in abdomen –ascites)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Itching
  • Pain abdomen (right upper quadrant)
  • Vomiting
  • Blood in vomiting
  • Tarry black color stool

COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF PROGRESSIVE CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE:

  • Jaundice
  • Liver &/or spleen enlargement
  • Abnormal behavior
  • Neurological disorientation or other abnormalities with jaundice
  • Nails clubbing
  • Abdominal distention (Ascites)
  • Swelling of limbs
  • Other organ involvement (kidney, lungs)

Role of liver transplant Physician:

  • An expert with experience to manage all children from birth to 18 years of age, who needs liver transplantation along pre & post transplant surgery care (Medical management).
  • To decide when child needs transplant-specific indication other than liver failure How much time we have till liver transplant procedure- to take a decision from advancement of liver disease –whether can be treated medically for longer duration/other option till transplant – supportive management.
  • When transplant is planned – certain contraindication for management like blood transfusion, certain medication use Pre transplant preparations- counselling, documentations, donor & recipient investigations, continuous supportive treatment. To send to correct centre for transplant based on finance, age, weight, emergency, Finance.
  • Post transplant – PICU Care, medical management, immunosuppressant decision, Complication identification & management.
  • Long term follow up care- Regular medications, doses changes, investigations to choose, any complication like rejection, PTLD, Infection, GVHD, surgical complication, drug related complication – to identify correctly & to manage – to contact transplant surgeon (As who has done the surgery must be in loop to know anatomical changes while surgery is been done)

Important Liver Disease

  • Biliary atresia
  • Choledochal cyst
  • Hemochromatosis
  • Viral infection causing liver failure
  • Budd chiari syndrome
  • Metabolic liver disease/In born error of metabolism
  • Neonatal hepatitis
  • PFIC
  • Alagille syndrome

In older children:

  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Sclerosing cholangitis
  • Wilson disease
  • Metabolic liver disease
  • Acute liver failure
  • PFIC
  • Viral Hepatitis (A to E)
  • Portal Hypertension

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What Is a Liver Transplant?

Liver Transplant Surgery Procedure – Dr. Kinisha Patel

A liver transplant is a surgery in which doctors remove a sick (damaged) liver and replace it with a healthy donor liver.

Transplants are done when a child's liver does not work well and he or she won’t survive without a new one. Doctors sometimes call this liver failure. Doctors only recommend a liver transplant after they have tried all other treatments to save the child’s liver.

Most organ donors are adults and children who have agreed (or their guardians have agreed) to donate their organs after they die.

If a child doesn’t need an entire new liver, sometimes a living person, like a parent, can donate part of a liver. This is called a “living-related donor transplant”. A person who donates part of his or her liver can have a normal-sized liver again within just a few months of donating the tissue because livers grow new cells on their own (called regeneration).

What Happens Before a Liver Transplant?

If your child needs a liver transplant, your doctor will refer you to a transplant centre. There,
you’ll meet the members of the transplant team, which usually includes:

  • Surgeons
  • Liver specialists (hepatologists)
  • Transplant coordinator
  • Dietician
  • Psychologists

The health care team will check to make sure that your child is healthy enough to have surgery and take the medicines needed after it. The team will do tests such as:

Blood tests: to determine blood type

Imaging tests: such as an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan

If the transplant team decides your child is a good candidate, the next step is to choose a blood group matched donor. A living donor’s thorough evaluation is done (usually a mother or father whose blood group is matched with the child) Your child’s name will go on an organ waiting list if no suitable living donor is available.

This list has the names of everyone who is waiting for a liver or other organs. Your child might have to wait to find a liver that is a good match. While you wait for a transplant, keep your child as healthy as possible. That way, he or she will be ready for transplant surgery when the time comes. Help your child:

  • Eat healthy foods
  • Take all medicines as directed
  • Keep all medical appointments

Tell your doctor and the transplant center right away if is any change in your child's health.

What Happens During Liver Transplant Surgery?

After liver transplant surgery, your child will go to the  paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) . How long your child stays in the PICU depends on his or her condition. Generally, the stay is just a few days. When ready, your child will be transferred to a special unit for transplant patients. There, the transplant team will care for and closely watch your child. Immunosuppressive medicines are started immediately post transplant with few more medicines.

Most children stay in the hospital for a couple of weeks after surgery. During this time, they and their families learn how to care for the new liver. Be sure you understand the doctor’s instructions, because your child will need to follow them carefully.

In the weeks after your child goes home, regular follow up as advised by Hepatologist is required so that the doctors can make sure that everything is going well.

What Problems Can Happen?

Most kids don’t have any problems after the surgery, but bleeding, infection, and other problems can happen.

One of the most common problems after transplant surgery is rejection. Rejection happens because the body doesn’t recognize the new liver and doesn’t know that it is helpful. So the immune system tries to attack it.

Medicines (called immunosuppressants, or anti-rejection medicines) help to control this reaction. In a sense, they trick the body into accepting the new liver. Taking them can make your child more likely to get infections, especially in the days right after surgery. So keep your child away from sick people, and have everyone at home wash their hands well and often.

The risk of rejection is greatest in the first few weeks after transplant surgery. But the body never completely accepts the new liver. So immunosuppressant medicines are taken for life.

Usually, the amount of immunosuppressants taken is reduced as the body gets used to the new liver. Rarely, the body refuses to accept the new liver and another transplant is needed.

These side effects are a major reason why teens are at risk for not taking their medicines after a transplant. This can be dangerous and even lead to rejection of the new liver. So be sure to talk about the importance of taking all medicines as directed.

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WHAT DOES A PAEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGIST DO

WHAT DOES A PAEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGIST DO?

Paediatric gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who diagnose and treat gastrointestinal disorders
in children. Gastrointestinal system includes organs like esophagus (food pipe), stomach, intestine (small and large), pancreas, liver, biliary system (gall bladder and biliary tree), rectum and anus. Any disorder related to above organs present with various signs and symptoms.

Children are not small adults. Gastrointestinal disorders’ presentation are different in children than
adults so they need consultation from Paediatric gastroenterologist.

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER

  • Pain abdomen
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Blood in stool
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal distension or mass
  • Anorexia (loss of appetite)

These are some common presentations for gastrointestinal disorders. There are other causes also for above symptoms so need specialist consultations for correct diagnosis and management. Few symptoms can be due to functional disorders. Functional disorders mimic pathological condition’s symptoms but requires certain investigations to rule out.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT PAEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGIST?: 
If your child is having any of the symptoms as given below, you should consult Paediatric gastroenterologist:

  • Recurrent vomiting
  • Chronic diarrhea (Diarrhea lasting more than 2 weeks)
  • Chronic constipation
  • Recurrent abdominal pain
  • Unexplained not gaining height & weight
  • Feeding difficulties (Regurgitation of food, difficulty in swallowing, painful swallowing)
  • Suspected any food allergy (Symptoms like rash, vomiting, loose stool after ingestion of specific food or milk)
  • Palpable abdominal mass or unusual abdominal distension
  • Blood in stool
  • Blood in vomiting
  • Foreign body (coin, pin, button battery, sharp object etc.) ingestion

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Celiac Disease Guide

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease (pronounced as see-liac) is a serious illness, where own body’s immune system attacks its own tissues (Usually gut- intestine) when you eat gluten. This causes damage to the lining of the intestine it cannot absorb nutrients from food properly and the symptoms appear at any age. Celiac disease is not an allergy or food intolerance.celiac disease

Celiac disease is hereditary, meaning that it runs in families. People with a first-degree relative with celiac disease (parent, child, sibling) have a 1 in 10 risks of developing celiac disease.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley. Gluten helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a glue that holds food together. Gluten can be found in many types of foods, medicines or even ones that would not be expected.

What are the clinical presentations of celiac disease?

Usually, a child can present when any food item containing gluten is introduced as a weaning food so commonly after 6 months to 24 months of age child can have signs or symptoms.
It is based on age at gluten introduction, amount of wheat eaten and duration of breastfeeding account for variability in age of onset of symptom.
It is very important to treat celiac disease as it may cause severe multi-organ involvement.

Common presentation:

  • Not gaining height & weight
  • Anemia
  • Chronic or recurrent diarrhea
  • Abdominal bloating, pain, constipation
  • Anorexia

Other symptoms may be related to other systems but not common:

  • Raised liver enzymes
  • Arthritis/ arthralgia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Neuropathy, epilepsy
  • Micronutrient/ vitamins deficiency-related problems

Condition at high risk for celiac disease:

  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Autoimmune liver disease

How to diagnose Celiac disease?

Based on immune condition-related tests and tissue transglutaminase (anti -tTG) antibody or other serology test and Endoscopy (Intestinal biopsy) celiac disease is diagnosed.

What is the treatment of celiac disease?

Only dietary changes is the key treatment for celiac disease. Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is the only treatment. It is a lifelong treatment.

Food items (Gluten containing) to be avoided:Food items (Gluten containing) to be avoided

  • Wheat / broken wheat (Dalia)
  • Maida
  • Rye
  • Barley
  • Semolina
  • Vermicelli (Sewain)
  • Oats (only labeled as gluten free)
  • Malt

Any packed /processed or canned food, sauces, ready to eat food products, bakery products like:

  • Pastas/Noodles
  • Breads and Pastries: croissants, pita, naan, flatbreads, muffins, donuts, rolls
  • Baked food: cakes, cookies, pie crusts, brownies
  • Cereal & Granola: corn flakes and rice puffs often contain malt extract/flavoring, granola often made with regular oats, not gluten-free oats
  • Breakfast Foods: pancakes, waffles, french toast, biscuits.
  • Sauces, Gravies(puries), instant curry mix, white vinegar, mayonnies, salad dressing
  • Packed Jam/ jelly/chewing gums
  • Flour tortillas
  • Outside Sweets, ice cream, chocolates
  • Chinese food
  • Health Drinks

Other items that must be verified by reading the label or checking with the manufacturer:

  • Lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, or other cosmetic used near the mouth: They may be unintentionally ingested
  • Oral care and dental products
  • Herbal or nutritional supplements
  • Drugs and medications
  • Vitamins and supplements

How to read a label to check if a packaged food product /medicine is gluten-free?

1. A gluten-free label: FDA only allows packaged foods with less than 20 ppm of gluten to be labeled “gluten-free.” However, you should still check the ingredients list. It is also important to remember that “wheat-free” does not necessarily mean “gluten-free.” They may still contain other form of wheat, rye, or barley-based ingredients that are not gluten-free.

2. Check for obvious ingredients if there is no gluten free label:

  • Wheat
  • Barley
  • Rye
  • Malt
  • Oats (unless specifically labeled gluten-free

3. Check the allergen listing: Some packaging has a list of common allergens found in the product. Such allergens include wheat, soy, egg, nuts, and milk. This list can be a quick way to rule something out if the package says: “contains wheat.” However, a lack of allergen labeling does not mean that the product is gluten-free. Barley and rye are not in the top eight allergens required to be listed. Be sure to check the ingredients list for other hidden sources of gluten.

4. To check gluten free drugs: Ask your pharmacist for gluten free medications. Medicines which contain wheat starch is usually avoided. Majority of them are gluten free but few antibiotics and other medications may contain gluten. Go through website www.glutenfreedrugs.com for more details.

What is Gluten Free diet? What can be given?

  • Rice
  • Corn (maize)
  • Sorghum (Jowar)
  • Millet (Bajra)
  • Quinoa (Rajgira)
  • Soy
  • Potato
  • Beans
  • Arrowroot
  • Amaranth (Aamla)
  • Flax (Alasi)
  • Chia
  • Gluten-free oats
  • Nut flours (gram flour, singhara flour)
  • Nuts
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Eggs
  • Meat and poultry
  • Fish and seafood

There has been some research that some naturally gluten-free grains may contain gluten from cross-contact with gluten-containing grains through harvesting and processing.

Other food items which can be given in children with celiac disease:

  • Homemade biscuits or cake made with rice, maize or arrowroot
  • Sugar candy
  • Homemade sweets, ice creams, fruit jam
  • Milk, tea, coffee, buttermilk, curd
  • Fruit juices (not canned)
  • Home made clear soups (no flour for thickening)
  • Homemade cottage cheese (Paneer)
  • Homemade squashes, pickles, tomato sauce or other gravies and puries

What are the key points to keep in mind for celiac disease treatment?

  • Gluten free diet is the only treatment, which is to be continued life- long.
  • Homemade grinding is preferred. Use separate atta maker (Atta Chakki) at home to prevent contamination for best outcome
  • Other vitamin supplements – iron, folic acid, calcium, vitamin D3, zinc, micronutrient supplements are must along with GFD( gluten free diet)
  • Problems due to low fibre diet needs to be addressed
  • Regular follow up & counselling by dietician & a gastroenterologist is must.
  • Periodic growth monitoring and serology testing
  • Compliance is must for diet
  • Treating doctor must be aware of Celiac crisis / re-feeding syndrome due to metabolic abnormalities

Recurrent Or Chronic Pain Abdomen In Children

Stomach pain• WHAT IS RECURRENT OR CHRONIC PAIN ABDOMEN?

Any child having pain abdomen over a 3 months period with or without asymptomatic time interval is labeled as recurrent or chronic pain abdomen.

• WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CHRONIC PAIN ABDOMEN?

It is of two types: Functional and organic cause.

In most of children, its mainly functional cause (no pathology is found). Very few cases have underlying organic causes related to a specific organs. It can be due to anatomical problems, inflammatory processes, metabolic or other pathology.

• WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL PAIN ABDOMEN?

Functional abdominal pain is where no structural, metabolic, inflammatory or neoplastic process is found to cause significant abdominal pain.

• WHAT ARE FUNCTIONAL PAIN RELATED ABDOMEN DISORDERS?

Few functional disorders are functional constipation, functional dyspepsia, abdominal migraine, cyclical vomiting syndrome etc.

• BASED ON SYMPTOMS, HOW TO APPROACH A CASE OF RAP-TO DIFFERENTIATE FUNCTIONAL FROM ORGANIC

Usually functional pain abdomen is around umbilicus, nonspecific, non radiating, not related to any food intake, at various occasions and usually no night time symptoms. Basic physical examination and few investigations are needed to rule out common organic, pathological cause.

• WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE REASONS OF FUNCTIONAL ABDOMINAL PAIN?

Functional abdominal pain is commonly due to stress, emotional disturbances, family environmental stimulatory factors, hypersensitivity of gut, altered intestinal motility.

• WHEN PARENTS SHOULD BE ALERT & CONSULT PAEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGIST BASED ON RED FLAGS SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS?

  • If your child is having night time awakening due to pain abdomen
  • If pain is localized to specific region with tenderness
  • If your child is having radiating pain to other region
  • If pain is associated with fever, weight loss, enlarged abdominal organ, rash, blood in stool, diarrhea

• WHAT ARE THE INVESTIGATIONS TO RULE OUT ORGANIC CAUSE OF PAIN ABDOMEN?

  • Blood investigations
  • Ultrasound or contrast studies or other radiological investigations
  • Endoscopy

• WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF FUNCTIONAL PAIN ABDOMEN?

Parents play an important role for behavioral therapy. Few dietary changes can be helpful. There is no specific treatment with antispasmodic medications as it may cause constipation and further aggravate the pain.