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 signs of gluten allergy go untreated, they can mess with your day-to-day life and your peace.
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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:
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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.
RELATED: Is Gluten Making You Sick? Look For These Top Signs!
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:
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Itching or skin reactions after eating
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A sudden upset stomach
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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.
RELATED: 9 Signs You May Be Allergic To Gluten
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 Symptoms
These symptoms usually appear quickly:
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Nausea
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Stomach cramps
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Diarrhea
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Vomiting
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Indigestion
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Bloating
Skin and Whole-Body Symptoms
Your immune system reacts, and you feel it everywhere:
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Skin rash or hives
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Sneezing
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Congestion
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Headaches
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Fatigue
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Joint pain
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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.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity in Black Communities
Even if you don’t have celiac disease, you can still react to gluten — this is called non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). And while most research focuses on celiac, there’s evidence that Black Americans may experience gluten reactions that go unrecognized.
Some Black people report avoiding gluten or feeling digestive discomfort even when standard tests for celiac come back negative. Unfortunately, NCGS and even celiac are often underdiagnosed in Black communities, partly because symptoms can look different and partly because awareness is low.
Surveys show that a large portion of Black Americans haven’t heard of celiac or gluten sensitivity, which can make it harder to connect the dots when your body is sending warning signals.
If you notice bloating, fatigue, brain fog, or skin changes after eating gluten, it’s worth paying attention, even if tests come back normal.
Keeping track of your symptoms and talking to a healthcare provider can help you figure out whether gluten could be behind what you’re feeling. Resources like the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology can also help you learn more about gluten allergies and sensitivities.
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:
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Celiac disease
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Lactose intolerance
RELATED: Q&A: Are Gluten Intolerance And Celiac Disease The Same?
Top Foods That Can Trigger Gluten Allergy Symptoms
Keep these on your radar.
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Bread
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Pasta
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Cereals and crackers
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Cookies, cakes, and pastries
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Beer and malt beverages
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Soy sauce and wheat-thickened gravies
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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:
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You notice gluten allergy signs regularly
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You have vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
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You see blood in your stool
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Your symptoms are getting worse
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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?
How fast do the symptoms of gluten allergy appear?
How can you tell the difference between gluten allergy symptoms and gluten intolerance?
Can gluten allergy symptoms be dangerous?
How do doctors test for a gluten allergy?
What triggers symptoms of gluten allergy?
Can gluten allergies go away?
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 symptoms of gluten allergy, it’s best to see a medical professional for proper testing who can give you answers and help you feel better faster.
