Maybe . . .

I stopped by our local little health food store this morning to see if they had yarrow tea for Megan as I was hoping that might help her abdominal pain since motrin doesn't help. I told the store owner her symptoms and he suggested that we eliminate gluten from her diet. I googled gluten allergy when I got home and one of the sites that came up was about celiac - an autoimmune disease that is related to the body's response to gluten. It fits every one of Megan's symptoms (abdominal pain, tingling in arms and legs, joint pain, greatly increased number of antibodies, anemia) - except for the fever. People are born with the condition, but often doesn't show any symptoms until triggered by something such as an infection, a pregnancy or a surgery. If the fever was initially caused by an infection of some type, that could have triggered her condition and made it much harder for her body to fight off the infection. We are going to get her tested for this. Fortunately one of my best friends has celiac and is helping me with the diet :) This condition is so severe that we will have to replace all our plastic dishes, containers, cups, etc. Megan would not even be able to have french fries that have been fried in the same oil as something with flour (like fried chicken).


Below are some excerpts from the website I found ~

Though the symptoms may appear similar, gluten intolerance is not a food allergy but rather an inherited autoimmune disease. The body's immune system mistakenly identifies gluten as harmful. This leads to inflammation and damage in the small intestine. A food allergy to wheat results instead in an allergic response, with symptoms such as itchiness and rash.
Damage to the small intestine can occur when a person with gluten intolerance consumes even a small amount of gluten. Symptoms can include abdominal pain and diarrhea.
The intestinal damage weakens the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food. This can lead to malnutrition and related conditions, such as weight loss, osteoporosis and infertility. Patients may also face increased risk of conditions including diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers.
It is important to note that although some people with gluten intolerance suffer severe symptoms, others have no symptoms. People who do not experience symptoms, however, may still suffer damage to the small intestine.



People with gluten intolerance (celiac disease) are extremely sensitive to the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye and possibly oats. The condition involves an inappropriate immune system reaction to gluten that causes inflammation in the small intestine.

This inflammation damages the interior wall of the small intestine, specifically harming tiny protrusions called villi. These villi are responsible for absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream. The loss of the villi often leads to malnutrition and related complications such as bone disease.

Although patients with other food intolerances may tolerate "small amounts" of the problem food without triggering a reaction, people with gluten intolerance cannot safely consume any amount of gluten. Though some people may believe they can tolerate a small amount of gluten because symptoms do not occur, ingestion can still result in damage to the small intestine.

Though symptoms may appear similar, gluten intolerance is not a food allergy because the immune response to gluten is different than an allergic reaction. The immune system turns upon itself with both conditions, but gluten intolerance results in specific damage to the small intestine. A food allergy, though, often results in a more generalized reaction that occurs as histamines travel throughout the bloodstream. Although it is possible to have a food allergy to wheat and wheat protein, this condition is not related to gluten intolerance.


Infections. Patients may be at increased risk for serious infections such as tuberculosis, possibly because of poor absorption of vitamin D, researchers have found.


For unknown reasons, the disease sometimes emerges after some sort of trauma is experienced, such as an infection, an injury, pregnancy or surgery.


The main signs and symptoms associated with gluten intolerance (celiac disease) are due to the inadequate absorption of nutrients from food. This condition results in:

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Abdominal bloating and pain
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Diarrhea
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Constipation
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Foul-smelling gas and stool
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Steatorrhea (an increased amount of fat in the stool)

Some of the signs and symptoms associated with gluten intolerance occur as a result of the malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies often caused by the condition. These may include:

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Anemia (low number of red blood cells) and fatigue. Due to a lack of absorption of vitamin B12 and iron.

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Weight loss. Due to poor absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

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Bone pain, bone weakness and osteoporosis. Due to a lack of absorption of vitamin D.

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Swelling (often around the ankles and feet). Due to fluid retention.

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Tingling and numbness from nerve damage. Due to deficiencies of B12 and thiamine.


http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/gluten-intolerance.html