Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease where the small intestine gets damaged by the consumption of gluten-containing food. In children, celiac disease affects the whole family. We understand.

Our pediatric gastroenterologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease to optimize your child’s digestive health.

As the only comprehensive center in the northwestern suburbs dedicated to treating celiac disease, our team takes into account the well-being of your child and everyone who cares about them.

Treatment and services

The Celiac Center provides you and your child with the most accurate tests for celiac disease along with antibody testing and endoscopy to confirm a diagnosis. Important support services include:

• Individualized nutrition counseling
• Classes
• Gluten-free diet plan [PDF]
• Regular meetings with your doctor and nutritionist

Patient education

Nothing is more important in dealing with celiac disease than understanding what it is and how to successfully treat your child. Because knowledge is indeed power, we offer:

• Comprehensive patient education
• School lunch navigation assistance
• Tips on how to handle social events and holidays

Testing and diagnosis

Testing and diagnosis are key. Heading into your child’s tests, please remember the following:

• Maintain current diet: Don’t change your child’s diet before testing because they’ll need to be eating some gluten for at least 12 weeks before the test.
• Get an antibody blood test: If your child’s test is positive, the next step is an endoscopy (a short outpatient procedure to look at the digestive tract to assist in diagnosis).
• Understand limitations of genetic testing: Genetic testing for celiac disease does not confirm a diagnosis. Though people can be genetically predisposed, they might not develop the condition.