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Low Platelet Reactions to Gluten in Children

Gluten is a protein present in grains such as wheat, rye and barley, as well as many cosmetics, body products and over the counter medicines. Gluten intolerance may produce many symptoms, from digestive issues to blood conditions, including low platelet reactions in children.

  1. Identification

    • Low platelets limit normal clotting processes and can be caused by an autoimmune response, where the body begins attacking its own cells. In some cases, this response occurs because of the presence of gluten, either ingested as a food or topically.

    Significance

    • Gluten intolerance is very common in children. According to the Children's National Medical Center an estimated 1 out of 100 children have celiac disease or a lifelong intolerance to gluten.Though only recently have many non-digestive symptoms such as blood disorders become widely associated with gluten.

    Potential

    • While celiac disease remains a common type of gluten intolerance, nonspecific gluten intolerance apart from celiac also exists, which may cause similar low platelet reactions, says the Children's National Medical Center.

    Effects

    • Low platelets can present with mild to very serious symptoms. Excessive bruising or frequent nosebleeds may indicate low platelets. Those with extremely low platelets may bleed copiously.

    Diagnosis

    • Low platelets are usually detected by a routine CBC or complete blood count. Diagnosing the cause as gluten intolerance requires additional testing and evaluation of other symptoms.

    Treatment

    • In mild cases of low platelet levels caused by gluten intolerance, complete abstinence of gluten typically resolves the condition.

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