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Up and Running for the First Time
After being diagnosed with celiac disease, this Manasquan toddler started a new diet and ran for the
first time just three days later!
At the young age of 2½, Megan Priest
preferred relaxing on her mother's
lap to playing in the park. Megan's
mother, Christine, knew something was
wrong. "It didn't make sense," she explains.
"All the other children Megan's age were
playing." Christine hoped it was just a
phase. But at Megan's next doctor appointment,
Christine realized it wasn't.
"My husband, Phil, and I took Megan
for her regular checkup and mentioned
Megan's fatigue to her pediatrician, who
credited it to the fact that she was born
premature," says Christine. "But due to
Megan's additional symptoms, the pediatrician
suggested we meet with Dr. Soroush."
Azam Soroush, M.D., is the director of
pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition at
K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey
Shore University Medical Center.
Unco vering Family History
"Not only did Dr. Soroush examine Megan,
she asked me questions about my history
and my husband's," Christine says. "Dr. Soroush was extremely thorough and it
paid off. She quickly determined — through
heredity risk factors and Megan's symptoms
— that Megan has celiac disease."
Celiac disease is a treatable reaction
to gluten in foods. "It's an immune system
disorder that causes damage to the lining
of the small intestine when gluten is eaten,"
explains Dr. Soroush. "Glutens are found
in some grains, most notably wheat, barley,
and rye." With damaged intestines, the
body does not absorb nutrients — such as
fat, calcium, iron, and folate — very well.
Solving the Puzzle
"I had no idea that Megan's fatigue could
be caused by an underlying disease,"
Christine says. "Then, from screening tests,
I learned that I also have celiac disease. My
sister was later diagnosed, too. We solved a
family puzzle."
Today, Megan's celiac disease is controlled
through a gluten-free diet created with
the help of a dietitian. Megan, now age 4,
feels like any other kid. "After just three days
of being on the diet, Megan was up and running,"
says Christine. "She may not be able
to eat all of the same foods as her classmates,
but she can certainly keep up with them!"
 – Laura Buffum
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According to the National Institutes of
Health, one in 133 people has celiac disease,
but only one in 4,700 is diagnosed.
"People often confuse the symptoms with
something else, such as irritable bowel
syndrome," says Dr. Soroush.
The symptoms of celiac disease include:
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal stools
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Vomiting
Some patients may have more subtle
signs, such as short stature, delayed
puberty, anemia, a rash, joint pain,
and osteoporosis.
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