Celiac & Gluten Disorders
Pediatric Celiac Disease Care
Accurate diagnosis, clear answers, and lifelong support for children and teens living gluten-free.
Celiac disease is more than a food sensitivity. It's an autoimmune condition that affects growth, nutrition, bone health, and quality of life, and the diagnosis deserves to be done right the first time.
Dr. Mendez guides families in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and across South Florida from initial workup through biopsy, the transition to a gluten-free lifestyle, and ongoing monitoring through the years.
Conditions & concerns we address
Celiac Disease
Antibody testing, genetic workup when indicated, and endoscopy with biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Careful evaluation when symptoms improve off gluten but celiac and wheat allergy are ruled out.
Wheat Allergy Coordination
Joint workup with allergy when symptoms suggest an IgE-mediated reaction.
Nutritional Follow-Up
Monitoring for iron, vitamin D, B12, and bone health on a gluten-free diet.
Growth Monitoring
Tracking weight, height, and pubertal development after diagnosis.
Family Screening
Guidance on screening siblings and first-degree relatives.
How Dr. Mendez approaches care
- Order the right tests before gluten is removed from the diet, so results are interpretable.
- Confirm diagnosis with biopsy when appropriate, following current pediatric guidelines.
- Connect families with a knowledgeable dietitian for the transition to a gluten-free life.
- Monitor antibody levels and nutrition to confirm healing on diet.
- Stay available for travel, school, and social situations where gluten exposure is a worry.
Signs it's time for a consultation
- Chronic abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Iron deficiency or anemia without a clear cause.
- Poor growth or delayed puberty.
- A first-degree relative with celiac disease.
- A previous diagnosis where you want a second opinion before committing to lifelong dietary changes.
Pediatric Celiac Disease Care for families across South Florida
PediGut Health serves Palm Beach and Broward county families with in-home visits, in-office care in Boca Raton, and statewide telehealth.
Common questions from South Florida parents
Should my child stay on gluten before celiac testing?+
Yes. Removing gluten before testing can make antibody and biopsy results inaccurate. Keep gluten in the diet until Dr. Mendez has guided the workup.
Is a biopsy always needed to diagnose celiac disease?+
In most pediatric cases, yes. Current guidelines allow a no-biopsy pathway in select children with very high antibody levels, and Dr. Mendez will tell you which path fits your child.
Where can my child see a pediatric celiac specialist near me in South Florida?+
Dr. Mendez serves families in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding communities with in-home visits, in-office care, and telehealth follow-up.
Do you help families learn to eat gluten-free?+
Yes. We connect families with a pediatric dietitian experienced in celiac disease and stay involved as your child grows, travels, and navigates school.
Should siblings be tested for celiac disease?+
First-degree relatives have a higher risk. Dr. Mendez will discuss screening for siblings and parents at diagnosis.
Ready to talk it through?
Concierge access means we have the time to listen, evaluate carefully, and stay with your family through every step.