From the Guidelines
Gluten allergy symptoms typically include digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and nausea after consuming gluten-containing foods, and can be diagnosed using a combination of serological tests and intestinal biopsy, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. The symptoms of gluten allergy can vary widely, but common symptoms include:
- Digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and nausea
- Fatigue, headaches, brain fog, joint pain, skin rashes (particularly dermatitis herpetiformis), depression, anxiety, and anemia
- In children, symptoms might also include growth delays and dental enamel defects It is essential to seek medical diagnosis if a gluten allergy is suspected, and to avoid self-diagnosis by eliminating gluten before testing, as this can affect results 1. A proper diagnosis requires blood tests for celiac disease antibodies and possibly an intestinal biopsy, as recommended by the British Society of Gastroenterology 1 and the American College of Gastroenterology 1. The treatment of gluten allergy typically involves a lifelong and strict gluten-free diet, which can help to relieve symptoms, achieve mucosal healing, and prevent complications 1. Regular monitoring is necessary to ensure adherence to the diet and to assess for complications, and consultation with a dietitian is recommended to ensure a nutritionally complete gluten-free diet 1.
From the Research
Gluten Allergy Symptoms
Gluten allergy symptoms are not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies, but the studies discuss gluten-related disorders, such as celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy.
- The symptoms of these disorders are not specified, but the studies emphasize the importance of a gluten-free diet in managing them 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Celiac disease, for example, requires a strict gluten-free diet for life, and non-adherence to this diet can lead to complications and decreased quality of life 3, 4.
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy also require a gluten-free diet, and the symptoms of these conditions are likely to improve with dietary changes 5, 6.
Gluten-Related Disorders
The provided studies discuss various gluten-related disorders, including:
- Celiac disease: an immune-mediated disorder that requires a strict gluten-free diet for life 3, 4, 6.
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: a condition characterized by symptoms similar to celiac disease, but without the same immune response 5, 6.
- Wheat allergy: an immune-mediated disorder that requires avoidance of wheat and other gluten-containing grains 5, 6.
- Dermatitis herpetiformis and gluten ataxia: other gluten-induced immune-mediated disorders that require a gluten-free diet 6.
Gluten-Free Diet
The gluten-free diet is the primary treatment for gluten-related disorders, and the studies emphasize its importance in managing these conditions.
- A strict gluten-free diet can improve symptoms and quality of life in individuals with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the diet can also lead to nutritional deficiencies and other complications if not properly planned and monitored 4, 5, 6.
- The studies recommend close follow-up with patients following a gluten-free diet to ensure adequate nutrition and minimize potential complications 3, 4, 6.