Gluten Allergy Symptoms: 13 Warning Signs You Can't Ignore

Gluten allergy symptoms can be confusing because they often look like everyday stomach issues. It’s estimated that only 6% of Americans have a gluten allergy or intolerance.

While it’s not clear whether gluten allergies affect Black Americans more, it’s important to know what to look for.

When gluten allergy symptoms go untreated, they can mess with your day-to-day life and your peace.

What Is A Gluten Allergy?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When you have a gluten allergy, your immune system reacts negatively to gluten, and that reaction is what makes you feel sick.

A few key things to remember:

A gluten allergy is not the same as celiac disease.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, not an allergy.
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A gluten allergy is also different from gluten intolerance, which is when your body struggles to digest gluten without triggering the immune system.

What Do Gluten Allergy Symptoms Feel Like?

For some people, gluten allergy symptoms show up within an hour of eating foods containing wheat, barley, or rye. You might notice:

Itching or skin reactions after eating
A sudden upset stomach
Digestive discomfort, like bloating or stomach pain

With gluten intolerance, symptoms are usually more focused on digestion and can take longer (sometimes days) to show up.

Gluten Allergy Symptoms You Should Know

It’s unlikely that you’ll have all of these symptoms, but here are the 13 gluten allergy symptoms doctors see most often, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Digestive Gluten Allergy Symptoms

These symptoms usually appear quickly:

Nausea
Stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Indigestion
Bloating

Skin and Whole-Body Gluten Allergy Symptoms

Your immune system reacts, and you feel it everywhere:

Skin rash or hives
Sneezing
Congestion
Headaches
Fatigue
Joint pain
Anxiety or mood changes

Rare but serious: The Mayo Clinic confirms that gluten allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction with breathing difficulty. If this happens, seek emergency care immediately.

How Do You Test For Gluten Allergy Symptoms?

There are three main gluten allergy tests to diagnose gluten allergies:

1. Skin Prick Test
A small amount of gluten is placed on your skin. If raised, red spots appear within about 20 minutes; that’s a positive reaction.

2. Blood Test
This checks for immune markers linked to allergies. It can also help rule out conditions like celiac disease.

3. Food Challenge
You eat gluten under medical supervision while the doctor checks for gluten allergy symptoms.

Testing for gluten intolerance is more complicated, since there’s no one definitive test. Doctors typically rule out other issues like:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Celiac disease
Lactose intolerance

Top Foods That Can Trigger Gluten Allergy Symptoms

Keep these on your radar.

Bread
Pasta
Cereals and crackers
Cookies, cakes, and pastries
Beer and malt beverages
Soy sauce and wheat-thickened gravies
Processed foods with hidden gluten

A food diary can help you pinpoint what causes symptoms and what doesn’t.

When to See a Doctor

Don’t self-diagnose. You should talk to a doctor if:

You notice gluten allergy signs regularly
You have vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
You see blood in your stool
Your symptoms are getting worse
You have trouble breathing after eating gluten (call 911)

Your doctor can help confirm the issue and build a safe eating plan that supports your health.

RELATED: Find A Gastroenterologist Here

FAQs: Common Questions About Gluten Allergies

What are the most common gluten allergy symptoms?

The most common gluten allergy symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes, sneezing, headaches, and congestion. These symptoms usually show up within an hour of eating gluten.

How fast do gluten allergy symptoms appear?

Gluten allergy symptoms can start quickly, often within minutes to an hour after eating gluten. Gluten intolerance symptoms tend to show up more slowly; sometimes, they take a day or two.

How can you tell the difference between gluten allergy symptoms and gluten intolerance?

A gluten allergy triggers the immune system, so symptoms may include itching, rashes, or breathing issues. Gluten intolerance mostly affects digestion and leads to bloating, cramps, gas, or constipation.

Can gluten allergy symptoms be dangerous?

Yes. In rare cases, gluten allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that causes trouble breathing. If this happens, call 911 immediately.

How do doctors test for a gluten allergy?

Doctors can use a skin prick test, a blood test, or a medically supervised food challenge to confirm a gluten allergy. Gluten intolerance is usually diagnosed by ruling out other conditions like celiac disease.

What triggers gluten allergy symptoms?

Any food or product that contains wheat, barley, or rye can trigger symptoms. That includes bread, pasta, cereal, baked goods, beer, and some sauces or packaged foods.

Can gluten allergies go away?

People don’t always outgrow gluten allergies. For most, avoiding gluten is the best way to stay symptom-free, but a doctor can help track changes over time.

Final Words On Gluten Allergy Symptoms

Gluten allergies and intolerances are more common than people think, but they’re not always the root cause of digestive problems.

If you’re experiencing gluten allergy symptoms, it’s best to see a medical professional for proper testing who can give you answers and help you feel better faster.

By Karen Heslop | Published November 6, 2025