7 Signs Your Child Might Have Been Glutened (And What to Do)

Stomach pain, mood changes, fatigue, headache, diarrhea, skin reactions, and behavioral regression are the 7 most common signs of gluten exposure in children. Recognizing symptoms early allows for faster response and better recovery support.\n\n## 7 Warning Signs of Gluten Exposure\n\n### 1. Sudden Stomach Pain\nWhat to look for: Cramping, clutching belly, complaints of 'tummy hurt'\nTiming: Usually 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating\nChild's words: 'My belly feels icky,' 'It hurts inside'\nAction: Offer comfort, note time and suspected food\n\n### 2. Dramatic Mood Changes\nWhat to look for: Irritability, emotional outbursts, unexpected crying\nTiming: Can occur immediately or within hours\nChild's behavior: More sensitive than usual, quick to frustration\nAction: Provide extra patience and emotional support\n\n### 3. Unusual Fatigue\nWhat to look for: Sudden tiredness, wanting to lie down, loss of energy\nTiming: Often within 1-3 hours of exposure\nChild's complaints: 'I'm so tired,' asks to rest during active time\nAction: Allow extra rest, avoid demanding activities\n\n### 4. Headache or 'Foggy' Feeling\nWhat to look for: Complaints of head pain, difficulty concentrating\nTiming: Usually 1-4 hours after gluten consumption\nChild's words: 'My head hurts,' 'I can't think straight'\nAction: Dim lights, quiet environment, hydration\n\n### 5. Digestive Upset\nWhat to look for: Diarrhea, constipation, or changes in bathroom habits\nTiming: Can begin immediately or up to 12 hours later\nDuration: May last 2-7 days depending on exposure amount\nAction: Monitor hydration, provide bland foods\n\n### 6. Skin Reactions\nWhat to look for: Rash, eczema flare-up, itchy skin\nTiming: Can appear immediately or develop over 24-48 hours\nLocation: Often arms, face, or areas that typically react\nAction: Gentle skin care, avoid further irritants\n\n### 7. Behavioral Regression\nWhat to look for: Acting younger, increased clinginess, sleep disruption\nTiming: Often develops 6-12 hours post-exposure\nExamples: Bedwetting return, increased tantrums, separation anxiety\nAction: Extra comfort and understanding\n\n## Immediate Action Steps\n\n### First 30 Minutes\n1. Stay calm - your child is watching your reaction\n2. Identify the source - what did they eat and when?\n3. Comfort measures - offer water, gentle reassurance\n4. Document symptoms - write down what you observe\n\n### First 2-4 Hours\n1. Monitor closely - watch for symptom progression\n2. Offer support - bland foods if hungry, rest if tired\n3. Contact school/caregivers - inform them of the situation\n4. Prepare for pickup - if symptoms interfere with activities\n\n### Next 24-48 Hours\n1. Gentle diet - focus on naturally gluten-free, easy-to-digest foods\n2. Extra hydration - especially if digestive symptoms occur\n3. Communication - check in frequently about how they feel\n4. Follow-up planning - prevent future incidents\n\n## When to Call the Doctor\n\nImmediate medical attention if:\n- Severe abdominal pain\n- Persistent vomiting\n- Signs of dehydration\n- High fever (over 101°F)\n- Extreme lethargy\n\nSchedule appointment if:\n- Symptoms last more than a week\n- New symptoms develop\n- Pattern of frequent exposure\n- Child expresses food anxiety\n\n## Prevention Strategies\n\nReview and update:\n- School communication plans\n- Emergency action protocols\n- Child's self-advocacy skills\n- Family's label-reading habits\n\nStrengthen defenses:\n- Practice restaurant questioning\n- Role-play social situations\n- Update emergency contact information\n- Refresh caregiver education\n\nFor comprehensive gluten exposure response, review our What to Do When Your Child is Glutened at School guide with detailed emergency protocols. Learn prevention strategies in our Gluten-Free Cross-Contamination Prevention guide, plus build advocacy skills with our 5 Gluten-Free School Communication Scripts.