Children’s Hospital Colorado is ranked seventh in the nation for its gastrointestinal program according to U.S. News & World Report. The department is working to expand awareness and research around celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that can cause classic digestive problems as well as symptoms like rashes, fatigue, headaches or joint pain. Dr. Marisa Stahl and Dr. Edwin Liu explain that the condition begins when the body reacts to gluten, and that Colorado may see rates as high as 2.5 in 100 children. Experts stress the importance of early detection and encourage families to test rather than guess. The only current treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, while new medications are still in adult trials. Children’s Hospital Colorado also recently hosted the 2nd annual Celiac Disease Screening Symposium, with 20 speakers from 11 countries sharing best practices for early detection.

Free Autoimmunity Screening for Kids (ASK) Program: https://www.askhealth.org