Gluten allergy is often confused with celiac disease, but they both are very different issues that might severely affect daily life. At the same time, people are unaware of them and wonder, ‘what is gluten allergy?’
Well, it is an immune system reaction to proteins found in wheat, including gluten. Additionally, the condition is followed by various symptoms, such as acute allergic reactions, constant discomfort, etc. As a result, it becomes essential to know the distinction and, more importantly, understand gluten allergy symptoms to manage health risks. And for that, let’s get straight into the blog.
Immediate & Chronic Symptoms Of Gluten Allergy
Immediate Symptoms
Individuals with a gluten allergy may experience symptoms soon after consuming gluten-containing foods. These symptoms include:
Source: Freepik
Skin Problems
One of the first signs of a gluten allergy is most likely the development of skin problems in the form of hives, eczema, or itching. These can range from mild rashes to acute outbreaks of urticaria. Moreover, the skin may become red, puffy, and inflamed with marked itching or scratching.
Digestive Issues
These generally occur soon after consumption and include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Depending on the severity, they might last for as many hours as possible or resolve within a few days. However, if any such conditions persist for too long, then one must seek medical assistance.
Respiratory Problems
Respiratory symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, and wheezing. This can sometimes increase, in worst cases, to a severe life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.
Chronic Symptoms
Some others may experience these symptoms, which are less acute than the others mentioned but directly affect the quality of daily life. These are:
Fatigue
A few people describe a persistent feeling of tiredness or weakness once they develop this allergy. This can be chronic and, hence, affect daily functioning, making daily activities difficult.
Headaches
Dizziness and moderate to frequent headaches or migraines are some of the accompanying symptoms of a gluten allergy. They can make a person unable to do anything and disturb concentration and performance.
Joint Pain
Joint pain and muscle aches can be both painful and limiting. They often restrict mobility, making it difficult to perform daily activities. The discomfort can be frustrating, especially when the cause is unclear, impacting the overall quality of life and hindering routine tasks.
How To Diagnose Gluten Allergy?
The gluten allergy diagnosis is confirmed based on a combination of history, specific tests, and dietary trials. While specific allergy tests help diagnose gluten allergy, the skin prick test involves placing allergens under the skin for further detection. Blood tests are other tests that the respective physician might perform to measure specific antibodies (IgE) in response to wheat proteins. A diet chart concerning gluten-free foods might also be provided to the patient.
Source: Freepik
Effect Treatment Options To Prevent Gluten Allergy?
Check Food Labels Carefully
Hidden gluten in processed foods can include sauce, salad dressing, and snacks. Carefully read the ingredient labels of what you buy. As a result, one should switch to gluten-free items, such as bread, pasta, and cereals, that are available on the market. Lastly, what else you can do is find the label with the tag “certified,” guaranteeing minimal contamination from gluten.
Carry Medication
If prescribed, carry an emergency epinephrine auto-injector—an EpiPen—all the time. This medication quickly counteracts severe allergic reactions. Another thing to do in the event that you forget your prescription is to inquire about the food you wish to have either from the restaurant staff or your companions.
Consult Healthcare Providers
For milder reactions, antihistamines can help reduce a few symptoms. Always consult your healthcare provider about new medicines. In addition, recommending a dietitian does wonders as there are high chances that they can help you plan a balanced gluten-free diet, in which you are advised to eat other food sources.
Learn & Educate Others
Always look for cross-contamination in kitchens and dining centers. Check and ensure that tools, cookware, and surfaces are cleaned thoroughly before gluten-free food is prepared with them. You can also ask restaurant personnel whether they serve gluten-free courses and whether they are cautious about avoiding cross-contamination.
Regular Checkups
Regular checkups with the doctor or other healthcare personnel are essential to monitor any nutritional deficiency or other health-related conditions associated with a gluten-free diet. Additionally, keeping and maintaining a record of symptoms and food intake can help establish areas of potential problems and help manage your condition more effectively.
Final Words
With very cautious dietary modifications, the need to treat gluten allergy is associated with increased awareness of the unique symptoms. Unlike the other forms of gluten-sensitive diseases, this condition should be treated with the utmost urgency to prevent further implications resulting from allergic reactions. Early identification of the allergic symptoms with complete elimination of gluten intake can reverse severe health conditions, and one can achieve a good quality of life. Also, in any case, the first and foremost thing to do if you have this allergy is to seek medical assistance.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Gluten Intolerance.
HealthXChange. Gluten Intolerance: Symptoms, Treatments, and Tips to Manage.
