Gluten allergy
Today, more and more people pay attention to their body’s reactions to the foods they eat. Among the variety of food sensitivities, gluten allergy is gaining in importance. It is worth noting that this term is often used interchangeably with other gluten-related conditions, which can lead to misunderstandings. This article aims to provide comprehensive information about gluten allergy, explaining its mechanisms, symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment methods and practical aspects of living with this ailment. We will also outline the differences between gluten allergy and other gluten-related diseases, such as celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which can trigger gluten intolerance symptoms.
Table of contents
What Is Gluten and How Does Gluten Allergy Work? Medical Explanation
Gluten is a protein found naturally in cereal grains such as wheat, rye, barley, and sometimes oats as well. It is a protein complex that gives the dough its elasticity and elasticity. In people with gluten allergy, the immune system mistakenly identifies gluten proteins as harmful substances . In response to contact with gluten, the body produces IgE antibodies. These specific antibodies initiate a cascade of immune responses, leading to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, which manifests itself in a variety of allergic symptoms.
It is crucial to distinguish gluten allergy from celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disease in which gluten consumption leads to damage to the intestinal villi in the small intestine . In celiac disease, the immune response is not dependent on IgE antibodies, but on other autoantibodies such as IgG and IgA . In contrast, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is characterized by symptoms similar to celiac disease, but without an autoimmune background and intestinal damage. Importantly, the symptoms of gluten allergy usually appear much faster after eating gluten than in the case of celiac disease . It is also worth remembering that the allergy can affect not only gluten itself, but also other proteins found in wheat .
To better understand the differences between these three disease entities, it is worth taking a look at the table below, which illustrates the symptoms that appear in response to gluten.
| A feature that can lead to atrophy of intestinal villi is important in diagnosis. | Gluten allergy | Coeliac disease | Non-celiac gluten sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| The immune mechanism associated with gluten intolerance can lead to various symptoms in the body. | Immune response to gluten proteins (IgE-dependent) | Autoimmune disease, gluten reaction leads to damage to intestinal villi | Non-allergic and non-autoimmune reaction to gluten |
| Small intestine damage | Does not cause damage | Causes damage | Does not cause damage |
| Time of onset of symptoms | Typically fast (minutes to hours) | Can be delayed (weeks, months) | Typically fast (hours to days) |
| The chronic nature of symptoms can lead to serious health consequences, including atrophy of intestinal villi. | May subside over time | Chronic disease, lifelong | It can be transient |
| Key diagnostic markers | Gluten-specific IgE antibodies, skin tests | Anti-tTG, anti-DGP antibodies, small intestine biopsy | Diagnosis of exclusion (celiac disease and allergy) |
Symptoms of Gluten Allergy: From the Skin to the Digestive System
Gluten allergy can manifest itself in a variety of symptoms that affect many systems in the body, including symptoms of gluten intolerance. The intensity and type of symptoms may vary depending on the age of the patient and the type of allergic reaction, including symptoms of gluten intolerance.
Symptoms of Gluten Allergy in Adults
In adults, gluten allergy can cause both immediate and delayed reactions. Immediate (IgE-mediated) reactions usually occur within minutes to an hour after gluten ingestion and may include hives, itching, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, vomiting, runny nose, bronchospasm, and, in the most severe cases, anaphylactic shock. Delayed reactions (IgE-independent) can occur hours or even days after contact with gluten, manifesting themselves as chronic diarrhea, angioedema or exacerbation of atopic dermatitis . In addition, patients may report abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, constipation, headaches, fatigue and various types of skin rashes, which can be symptoms of gluten intolerance. .
Symptoms of Gluten Allergy in Children
In children, gluten allergy often manifests itself as red and itchy skin, hives and atopic dermatitis, especially on the cheeks, arms and legs. Vomiting, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which are common symptoms of gluten intolerance, may also occur. tags. In infants, an allergic reaction may manifest itself as irritability, feeding difficulties, poor weight gain, colic and diarrhea with an admixture of blood . Long-term problems with nutrient absorption in children can lead to developmental disorders, tooth enamel damage, anemia, weight loss, irritability, short stature, delayed puberty, and neurological symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, headaches, lack of muscle coordination, or seizures .
Unusual Symptoms You May Not Associate with Gluten Allergy
In addition to the typical symptoms of the digestive system and skin, gluten allergy can manifest itself in less obvious ailments. These include pain in the joints, muscles and bones , as well as neurological and psychiatric symptoms such as ataxia, epilepsy, convulsions, neuropathy, depression, schizophrenia or dementia . Some people may experience skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, or Dühring’s disease, which may be related to skin changes caused by gluten intolerance. . Women may experience menstrual disorders, infertility or miscarriages . Other unusual symptoms include chronic fatigue, mood changes, dental problems (aphthae, enamel damage), anemia, Raynaud’s syndrome and elevated liver enzymes.
Gluten Allergy Diagnosis: Tests and Methods of Diagnosis
Diagnosing gluten allergy requires a careful approach and often involves a combination of different diagnostic methods.
Skin Tests in the Diagnosis of Gluten Allergy: When Are They Useful?
Skin prick tests can be helpful in detecting immediate allergic reactions that are dependent on IgE antibodies and may indicate intolerance. tags. They consist of applying a small amount of the allergen to the skin and puncturing it. If you experience a reaction in the form of redness and swelling, this may indicate an allergy. Nevertheless, skin tests are not always completely accurate and can produce false negative or false positive results. A negative skin test result with a high probability allows you to rule out gluten allergy. Patch tests are also sometimes used to identify gluten reactions in skin tissue, which can help determine the concentration of IgE antibodies. .
IgE Blood Tests in the Diagnosis of Gluten Allergy
Determination of the level of specific IgE antibodies against gluten in the blood is a commonly used diagnostic method. This test does not require any special preparation, such as fasting, and can be done at any time of the day. Elevated levels of gluten-specific IgE suggest an allergic reaction to this protein. Blood tests can also help distinguish allergies from celiac disease, which has other types of antibodies, such as antibodies to tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) and deamidated gliadin peptides (anti-DGP).
Elimination Diet as a Key Element of Diagnostics
An elimination diet, which involves excluding gluten from the menu and observing whether the symptoms subside, is an extremely important step in the diagnosis of gluten allergy. After some time without gluten, it is reintroduced into the diet (so-called gluten – symptoms) to assess the body’s reaction. challenge attempt) to see if the symptoms return. This process should be done under the supervision of a doctor or dietician . Genetic testing for the presence of the HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 genes is more important in the diagnosis of celiac disease . The final diagnosis of gluten allergy is often based on the exclusion of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Gluten-Free Diet: The Basis of Gluten Allergy Treatment
The primary treatment for gluten allergy is to strictly follow a gluten-free diet.
What to eat and what to avoid when allergic to gluten? Detailed product list
People with gluten allergy should avoid wheat (including varieties such as spelt, kamut, durum and semolina), rye, barley and often oats, which can be contaminated with gluten in the production process if it does not have a gluten-free certificate. Naturally gluten-free products include rice, corn, millet, buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, seafood (without gluten-containing additives), eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. There are also gluten-free substitutes for many products on the market, such as breads, pasta, and flours, which are suitable for people with gluten intolerance. rice, corn, tapioca, almond, coconut), which often have a gluten-free certificate marked with the crossed grain sign.
Hidden sources of gluten: Where can you expect it?
In many processed foods, gluten can be found as a hidden ingredient. Be careful with sauces, dressings, prepared soups, cold cuts, processed meats, sweets, chocolate, soy sauce (if it contains wheat), beer, some alcoholic beverages, instant meals, condiments, marinades, and bouillon cubes . Even seemingly gluten-free products like yogurt, ice cream, and even scrambled eggs or fries prepared in restaurants can contain gluten due to cross-contamination or added ingredients .
How to read gluten-free product labels? Practical Advice
It is crucial to read food labels carefully. Look for a clear “gluten-free” sign or crossed grain symbol. It is important to carefully analyze the list of ingredients, paying attention to the presence of wheat, rye, barley, malt and other gluten-containing ingredients to avoid symptoms of gluten intolerance. tags. You should also be on the lookout for “may contain gluten” warnings, which indicate the risk of cross-contamination in the manufacturing process, which can lead to celiac disease symptoms and adverse reactions. tags. If you have any doubts, it is better to avoid the product in question or contact the manufacturer .
Living with Gluten Allergy: Practical Tips for Everyday Life
Living with gluten allergy requires awareness and planning, but with the right strategies, you can live a full-fledged life.
Eating Out with Gluten Allergy: What to Look For?
When choosing restaurants, it is worth looking for places that offer gluten-free options or those that are aware of dietary restrictions. Always inform the restaurant staff about allergies and the need to avoid cross-contamination when preparing meals . Caution should be exercised with foods that appear to be gluten-free, such as fried foods or floured soups, as they can trigger symptoms of gluten intolerance. tags. In Poland, there are programs such as “Gluten-Free Menu”, which certify catering establishments friendly to people on a gluten-free diet, which is important for people with symptoms of celiac disease and adverse reactions to gluten. tags. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the ingredients and how to prepare the dishes .
Traveling with a Gluten Allergy: How to Prepare?
Planning a trip with a gluten allergy requires prior preparation. It is worth looking for information about the availability of gluten-free options at your destination . Considering accommodation with access to a kitchen can make it easier to prepare your own meals . Before leaving, you should inform hotels and airlines of your dietary needs. It’s a good idea to bring gluten-free snacks and emergency food . If you are going abroad, it is worth learning basic phrases in the local language that will help you explain your allergy .
Dealing with the Social Challenges of Gluten Allergy
Educating family and friends about allergies is key to getting support . It is worth looking for support groups for people with gluten allergy or celiac disease . You should be prepared for social food situations and have your own safe options with you if necessary . Focusing on what you can eat rather than your limitations can help you stay positive. In the case of children with gluten allergy, it is important to teach them how to manage their diet in different social situations .
Complications of Untreated Gluten Allergy: Long-Term Health Effects
While immediate allergic reactions to gluten can be severe, the long-term consequences of an untreated allergy are mainly related to potential damage from continued exposure and inflammation . The intestinal mucosa may be damaged, although usually to a lesser extent than in celiac disease, which can lead to malabsorption . There is also a potential risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, which may be related to abnormal antibody levels. and an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies. Untreated gluten allergy can be linked to other health problems such as osteoporosis, infertility, neurological problems, and even an increased risk of certain cancers, though these complications are more strongly associated with untreated celiac disease .
What to do after accidental ingestion of gluten with an allergy?
In the case of accidental ingestion of gluten with an allergy, the most important thing is to deal with the symptoms that appear. Drinking plenty of water can help eliminate the allergen from your body . Rest is also important, as it supports the regeneration of the body . Activated charcoal can provide relief from bloating and gas . You may want to consider taking probiotics and L-glutamine to support gut health. Over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve allergic reactions. You should avoid further exposure to gluten and focus on eating easily digestible foods . If the symptoms are severe or persist, it is necessary to consult a doctor .
Summary
Gluten allergy is the body’s immune response to gluten proteins, different from celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Symptoms can range from skin and digestive system problems to unusual neurological or joint ailments associated with the presence of IgE antibodies. Diagnostics is based on skin tests, blood tests and an elimination diet. The basis of treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, requiring the avoidance of many products and careful reading of labels to minimize the risk of intolerance symptoms. Living with gluten allergy requires planning and awareness, but there are strategies to make everyday life easier. If left untreated, an allergy can lead to long-term health consequences, including damage to the gut barrier. In the case of accidental gluten ingestion, it is important to alleviate symptoms and support the body’s regeneration to restore normal health. In order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor.
