Experts say celiac disease in children often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms may appear mild, gradual, or easily mistaken for ordinary childhood digestive problems. According to Dr. Sufla Saxena, Head of Pediatrics and Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Manipal Hospitals, the condition can begin developing as early as 8 to 12 months of age after gluten-containing foods are introduced. “However, in some cases, it may even remain unnoticed until the preschool or school-going years,” she said.
