K.N.O.W. Home Health - CELIAC DISEASE

CELIAC DISEASE

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a health problem where the body cannot handle gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, ry

celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks their small intestine. This can damage the intestine and make it hard to absorb nutrients from food.

Causes of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body attacks itself by mistake.
It can run in families (hereditary).
It may be triggered by eating gluten, infections, or stress in people who are at risk.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Not everyone has the same symptoms, but common ones include:

Stomach pain or bloating
Diarrhea or constipation
Weight loss or slow growth in children
Tiredness
Skin rash
Bone or joint pain
Mouth sores
Iron-deficiency anemia
Some people may have no symptoms but still have damage to their intestines.

How is Celiac Disease Treated?

The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life.
You must avoid all foods with wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats unless labeled “gluten-free.”
A doctor may give vitamins or other treatments if your body is low in nutrients.
A dietitian can help you learn what foods are safe to eat.

Special Diet for Celiac Disease

Avoid foods with gluten, such as:

Bread, pasta, cereal, cake, and cookies (unless labeled gluten-free)
Some soups, sauces, and salad dressings
Fried foods made with flour or breadcrumbs
Safe foods include:
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, fish, and poultry (not breaded)
Rice, corn, potatoes
Gluten-free bread, pasta, and snacks (check the label)

Special Precautions

Always read food labels carefully
Watch out for cross-contact (gluten touching gluten-free food)
Tell restaurants you have celiac disease and need gluten-free meals
Check labels on medicines, vitamins, and lip balms—they may have gluten
Avoid sharing toasters or cooking tools with people who eat gluten

Risks of Untreated Celiac Disease

Poor growth in children
Weak bones (osteoporosis)
Infertility
Nerve problems
Cancer in the small intestine (rare)
Feeling tired or depressed all the time

How to Prevent Risks

Follow a strict gluten-free diet every day
Get regular check-ups with your doctor
Report symptoms early
Keep learning about safe and unsafe foods

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Ongoing belly pain or diarrhea even after avoiding gluten
Unexplained weight loss
Signs of poor nutrition (hair loss, pale skin, tiredness)
Skin rashes or itching
If you are unsure if a food or medicine is gluten-free

When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room

Severe belly pain with vomiting
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no urine, very dizzy)
Trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat (possible allergic reaction)
Fainting or confusion

✅ True or False Homework: Understanding Celiac Disease

True or False: Celiac disease is caused by a virus.
True or False: Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
True or False: People with celiac disease must avoid gluten for life.
True or False: Eating gluten causes the immune system to attack the small intestine.
True or False: You can take medicine to cure celiac disease.
True or False: Some people with celiac disease do not have any symptoms.
True or False: Diarrhea and stomach pain are common signs of celiac disease.
True or False: A gluten-free diet means you can still eat regular bread and pasta.
True or False: You should always read food labels to check for gluten.
True or False: Cross-contact happens when gluten touches gluten-free food.
True or False: Fruits, vegetables, rice, and plain meat are safe to eat.
True or False: You should tell restaurants about your gluten-free needs.
True or False: You only need to avoid gluten when you have symptoms.
True or False: Untreated celiac disease can lead to bone problems and anemia.
True or False: A dietitian can help you learn how to eat gluten-free.
True or False: You can sometimes share a toaster with someone who eats gluten.
True or False: Gluten can be hidden in medicines and lip balms.
True or False: You should call your doctor if you have belly pain even on a gluten-free diet.
True or False: A gluten-free diet can help prevent damage to the body.
True or False: If you feel very dizzy or confused, you should call your home health nurse.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:
“Have you noticed stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating, or other symptoms after eating certain foods, and can you tell which foods seem to cause them?”

Activity Impact / Safety:
“How has celiac disease affected your ability to safely eat meals outside your home, such as at restaurants, family gatherings, or social events?”

Treatment Adherence:
“Are you able to follow a strict gluten-free diet every day, and have you had any challenges avoiding foods with hidden gluten?”

Preventive Measures:
“What steps are you taking to prevent accidental gluten exposure, such as reading food labels, avoiding cross-contamination in the kitchen, or educating family and friends about your diet needs?”