A gluten allergy occurs when the immune system has an abnormal reaction to gluten, a protein found in the grains wheat, barley, and rye. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes a severe immune response to gluten. A gluten allergy is different from a gluten sensitivity or intolerance.
A gluten allergy develops when the immune system is exposed to and overreacts to gluten. Like hay fever and environmental allergies, a gluten allergy may cause a runny nose and congestion. Other possible symptoms include abdominal discomfort, and skin rashes, and in extreme cases, the possibly life-threatening anaphylaxis.
You may be at an increased risk of developing a gluten allergy if a family member has one. People with a family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema are likelier to experience allergies.
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1. Gut Issues
People allergic to wheat or gluten often experience gastrointestinal symptoms when they consume those foods. Possible gut issues include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
2. Skin Rash or Hives
Like most other types of allergies, a gluten allergy may cause skin changes. When exposed, people with a gluten allergy may experience an itchy rash or hives, often red (slightly darker or lighter depending on skin tone) and inflamed.
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a chronic skin condition caused by celiac disease. It causes an intensely itchy rash with blisters. About 10% of people with celiac disease experience DH.
3. Headaches or Migraines
People who cannot tolerate gluten may be at an increased risk of headaches and migraines. Migraines may be a sign of gluten intolerance rather than a gluten allergy. Speak with a healthcare provider to determine if your migraines could be related to gluten.
4. Pale Stool
People with celiac disease experience gut inflammation. When the small intestine is inflamed, the lining becomes damaged. The damaged lining cannot absorb nutrients effectively, which can lead to several symptoms, including constipation, diarrhea, and pale stools (poop). The pale stools may have a very foul smell.
5. Joint Pain
People with celiac disease may be at an increased risk of muscle and joint pain. The autoimmune response that causes damage to the small intestine may also affect pain messages to the brain. This may cause people with celiac disease to experience more pain than those without it.
6. Brain Fog
Brain fog refers to the inability to concentrate and think clearly. People experiencing brain fog may feel forgetful or too tired to think. Brain fog may be a sign of gluten intolerance.
7. Fatigue
Celiac disease may cause fatigue for several reasons. This condition may cause sleep disruptions, which can make fatigue worse. Celiac disease also causes chronic pain and inflammation, which contribute to low energy levels.
People with celiac disease are at an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia. Anemia (a lack of healthy red blood cells) often causes low energy levels and fatigue.
8. Dizziness
People with celiac disease may feel dizzy at times. Besides dizziness, celiac disease–associated iron deficiency anemia causes several symptoms, including:
- Fatigue
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
9. Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss may be a sign of celiac disease. People with celiac disease are not able to absorb nutrients from the foods they eat. When this happens, they may experience diarrhea and a loss of appetite. These symptoms often lead to weight loss. Talk with a healthcare provider if you have been losing weight without trying to.
10. Anxiety and Depression
People with digestive health conditions like gluten allergy and celiac disease may be at increased risk of experiencing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. More research is needed to determine why celiac disease raises the risk of anxiety and depression.
11. Stuffy Nose or Sneezing
People with gluten allergies may notice a runny nose or nasal congestion after consuming wheat products. They may experience sneezing as well. People who regularly breathe in flour may experience what is termed "baker’s asthma."
12. Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways in the lungs. Inflamed airways can make breathing hard. People with a gluten allergy may be at an increased risk of experiencing asthma. If you ever have times when breathing feels hard, see a healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency treatment if needed.
13. Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. It causes serious symptoms that may come on suddenly. Signs of anaphylaxis include hives, swelling, vomiting, and trouble breathing. Anaphylaxis can occur right after eating gluten or up to an hour later.
What Is the Difference Between Autoimmunity and Allergy?
An allergy occurs when the body recognizes safe substances as dangerous, causing a hypersensitive immune reaction. An autoimmunity occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells.
How Do You Know If You Have a Gluten or Wheat Allergy?
See a healthcare provider if you suspect you have a gluten allergy. Your provider will likely refer you to an allergist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating allergies) for evaluation.
When you meet with an allergist, you will undergo a physical exam and be asked several questions about your symptoms, overall health, and family history.
To determine if you have a gluten allergy, your allergist will perform a blood test, a skin-prick test, or both. A skin-prick test involves poking an area of skin such as your forearm with a small needle and placing a small amount of liquid gluten over the area. You likely have an allergy if the skin reacts and becomes red and inflamed. An allergy blood test involves taking a blood sample for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies may be present when the blood is exposed to gluten.
Celiac disease is diagnosed by blood test or small bowel biopsy, while gluten allergy is diagnosed by skin test or serum IgE testing.
A Rare Type of Gluten Allergy: Gluten Ataxia
Gluten ataxia is a rare, severe neurological condition caused by an autoimmune reaction to gluten. In people with gluten ataxia, the immune system damages the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for muscle coordination and balance. This causes severe problems with walking and muscle control.
Allergy vs. Gluten Sensitivity or Intolerance vs. Celiac Disease
There are several chronic health conditions related to gluten. While they may cause similar symptoms, there are key differences. It is essential to determine which gluten condition you have so that you can receive the proper treatment.
Chronic health conditions related to gluten are defined as:
- Gluten allergy: An allergic response to gluten
- Celiac disease: An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, skin problems, and mood changes when a person is exposed to gluten
- Gluten intolerance or sensitivity: A medical term used to describe symptoms related to consuming gluten
Summary
A gluten allergy is a chronic health condition that occurs when the body’s immune system has an abnormal reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat. An allergist can diagnose a gluten allergy with a physical exam, medical history, skin-prick test, and blood test. A gluten allergy is different from a gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
Possible gluten allergy symptoms include digestive issues, nasal congestion, skin changes, and anaphylaxis. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that occurs when the immune system is exposed to gluten, causing inflammation and other serious symptoms in the body.