 |
| (Google Image) |
By
Diane Forrest, RN
When I was in nursing school we did a clinical at the
pediatric hospital in Jackson, MS. We
spent a few weeks there learning about the problems, diseases, and how to care
for children. Taking care of children is
a totally different ballgame. Children
are scared, confused, irritable, and would rather be outside playing instead of
inside getting poked with needles or swallowing pills. Many hospitals try to make the pediatric
area as special as possible to keep the kids entertained while they receive their
care. The children also have the
additional benefit of having a parent or other family member stay with them,
which is always comforting for the child, but can be draining for the family.
 |
| (Google Image) |
This was the case for one particular family, their child
had several medical problems, and one of them was Celiac Disease. This meant that the child was on a very
restricted diet. Back then, they didn't
have as many gluten free products as they do today, so things were even more
difficult. Celiac disease is a condition
that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing
parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a
reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly
oats.
 |
| (Google Image) |
The cause of Celiac is unknown. It can occur at any time in a person's life,
from infancy to adulthood. It destroys
the villi in the stomach lining and prevents the absorption of nutrients the body
needs. Symptoms include:
- Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, constipation stomach cramps
- Bruising
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Hair lose
- Tooth damage
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles
- Poor weight gain
- Delayed Growth
Celiac disease is diagnosed with a blood test or genetic
testing. It usually runs in
families. It is treated with a gluten
free diet. It will usually heal itself
within 3 to 6 months for children, and up to 2 to 3 years in adults.
 |
| (Google Image) |
May is Celiac Awareness Month. For more information on ways you can help,
click here:
http://www.celiac.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86&Itemid=119
No comments:
Post a Comment