- Skin rash
- Sneezing
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Congestion
If you’re dealing with gluten intolerance, however, you may experience some of these additional symptoms:
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Brain fog
- Constipation
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Skin problems
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Anxiety
- Depression
In rare circumstances, an allergic reaction to gluten can result in anaphylactic shock, where you have trouble breathing. This can be fatal so go to the doctor immediately if it happens.
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How To Test For Gluten Allergy?
There are three different tests available to confirm a gluten allergy. The easiest is a skin prick test where a gluten solution is placed on the back of your hand and the allergist looks out for a reaction.
The formation of raised, red spots in 20 minutes or less usually indicates an allergy. The allergist can also use a blood test to identify certain markers in your body that can indicate you have an allergy.
Another benefit of the blood test is that the doctor can determine if you have other conditions such as celiac disease.
Finally, you can undergo a food challenge while under observation. This challenge will include eating gluten-based foods while the allergist looks out for a reaction.
Diagnosing a gluten intolerance can be a little trickier as there is no definitive test for it, Instead, your doctor may use different things to rule out other conditions that can cause the same symptoms. For example, celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome can often cause the same digestive issues as gluten intolerance.
When To See A Doctor
You should definitely see a doctor to determine what’s causing your symptoms. That’s because some of the possible conditions will need to be treated with prescribed medications.
Additionally, while you can manage gluten intolerance or allergy, there might be times when you’ll need a doctor’s intervention. If you’re having a severe allergic reaction, see a doctor immediately. That should also be your next step if you’ve been having vomiting or diarrhea for more than a day or you have developed bloody stools.
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Final Words On Gluten Allergy
Gluten allergies and intolerances are considered to be fairly common but they aren’t always the cause of your symptoms. It’s best to see a doctor so you can be officially diagnosed and your doctor can tell you the best way forward.