How to Identify Gluten Allergy Symptoms

Identifying gluten allergy symptoms can prevent damage caused by Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a condition linked to the consumption of gluten. Allergies to gluten cause damage to the small intestine which prevent it from absorbing vital nutrients. There is no cure for Celiac disease. Recognizing gluten allergy symptoms and avoiding gluten consumption will lessen intestinal damage.

Celiac disease is often hereditary.

If you have a family member who is gluten intolerant, it may be wise to be tested before symptoms present themselves. If you’re already experiencing gluten allergy symptoms and Celiac disease runs in your family, see a doctor right away. To prevent intestinal damage, avoid foods containing gluten.

Many people know that gluten is found in white flour.

Gluten is also found in whole wheat, barley and rye. People with gluten allergy symptoms should avoid breads and other baked goods containing these grains or flours. Foods to avoid if you have Celiac disease include cakes, cookies, flour tortillas and pizza dough. Ask your physician for a complete list of gluten containing foods.

Gluten allergy symptoms are often missed due to the similarity to other diseases.

Celiac disease most often presents itself with digestive malfunction such as intermittent diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas and bloating. Unfortunately, due to nutritional damage, gluten allergy symptoms may also include depression and a wide range of other problems.

Celiac disease limits or prevents fat absorption.

Gluten allergy symptoms may be apparent in stools. Persons with Celiac disease may notice their stools undergoing a change. Watch for foul smelling, light colored stools. Stools may also appear greasy or oily looking. Floating stools indicate a high fat content due to lack of fat absorption.

Persons with lactose intolerance may have a particularly bad time.

Lactose intolerance produces digestive problems very similar to gluten allergy symptoms. It is not uncommon for an individual to have lactose intolerance as a result of Celiac disease. Between the two allergies, the digestive system can take quite a beating.

A feeling of extreme fatigue is another symptom.

A person with Celiac disease may experience sudden or severe weight loss. Gluten allergy symptoms are often accompanied by a feeling of weakness. This is caused by anemia and may mimic the feeling you get when sick with a case of the flu.

Gluten allergy symptoms sometimes include dermatitis herpetiformis.

This rash normally is seen on knees, elbows and buttocks. It’s extremely itchy and forms blisters. In addition to eating gluten free foods only, it is necessary to treat this rash with a medicated cream to ease discomfort.

Diseases related to bone loss such as osteoporosis are common.

These are caused by lack of Vitamin D and calcium absorption. Gluten allergy symptoms may also be indicated by dental problems associated with bone loss. People with Celiac disease should be vigilant about dental care and see their dentist twice a year.

Gluten allergies may result in stunted growth due to lack of proper nutrition.

Children may also appear to be pale and irritable. Watch for an extraordinarily large stomach in comparison to the rest of the body. An enlarged stomach is an indication of malnutrition caused by damage to the intestines. Children are especially vulnerable to nutritional deficiency due to the fact that they are still developing.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic

Web MD

Medline Plus

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