What is Celiac Disease?
In recent years, celiac disease has been on the rise in children. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the protein gluten—found in wheat, barley, etc.—that causes the immune system to attack the small intestine. This damage impairs nutrient absorption and leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, and growth delays.
Signs of Celiac Disease
While some children experience clear digestive symptoms, others may present with less obvious signs, making early diagnosis crucial to preventing long-term complications. Milder signs may include poor appetite, irritability, delayed puberty, or feeling full quickly. Parents might notice meal avoidance, vague discomfort, or low energy and focus at school, often linked to nutritional deficiencies or inflammation.
Diagnosing Celiac Disease
The first step in diagnosing celiac disease involves blood tests that measure specific antibodies. If these tests suggest a potential diagnosis, a pediatric gastroenterologist will recommend an intestinal biopsy, which remains the gold standard for confirmation. The biopsy examines the small intestine for signs of damage, such as villous atrophy, which is characteristic of celiac disease.
Once diagnosed, a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet is the only treatment, as it prevents further damage and alleviates symptoms. However, managing a gluten-free diet, especially for children, can be challenging without the right support and education.
Expert Care in the South Bay
Medical management focuses on providing children with tools to follow a gluten-free diet while ensuring they receive proper nutrition. Fortunately, families can access expert care at the Torrance Outpatient Specialty Center, a satellite location of Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital that offers convenient access to specialized care for families in the South Bay.
The Torrance Outpatient Specialty Center is home to a multidisciplinary team that includes pediatric gastroenterologists, dietitians, and other specialists. Pediatric gastroenterologists undergo additional years of training beyond general pediatrics to understand the unique anatomy, physiology, and nutritional needs of growing children. This team works closely with families to provide personalized care plans, which include nutritional counseling, meal planning, and guidance on how to navigate everyday challenges, such as school lunches and eating out. The center also offers educational resources to help parents and children understand food labeling, ingredient safety, and how to make meals that are both safe and nutritious.
Miller Children’s & Women’s comprehensive approach ensures that both medical and emotional needs are met, helping children with celiac disease adjust to their new lifestyle and avoid the social challenges that can arise from living with a chronic condition.
For children who may need to be admitted for further or more advanced care, families are referred to the Gastroenterology & Nutrition Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach. This center provides comprehensive treatment for a full range of pediatric gastrointestinal conditions, ensuring that every child receives expert, specialized care tailored to their unique needs.
About Dr. Barry Steinmetz
Barry Steinmetz, M.D., is a pediatric gastroenterologist at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, where he serves as the Medical Director of the Gastroenterology & Nutrition Center and the Medical Director of the Outpatient Specialty Centers.
He is board-certified in pediatrics with additional sub-board certifications in gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. In addition, he serves as an associate clinical professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine.
Dr. Steinmetz received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Tex., where he also completed his pediatric residency. He completed his fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology at UCLA Children's Hospital.
Dr. Steinmetz has received several research grants, and his research has appeared in multiple publications. Since joining Miller Children’s in 2002, he has won several awards including outstanding faculty and doctor of the year. In 2009, he received the Munzer Family Award from the Memorial Medical Center Foundation and the 2009 Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award at Miller Children’s. In addition, he was recognized as a Top Los Angeles Doctor by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2022.
Dr. Steinmetz is an active member of several medical societies and organizations, including the American College of Gastroenterology, the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the American Gastroenterology Association.
He lives in Tustin, CA, with his wife and two daughters.
