It’s estimated that only 6% of the American population has a gluten allergy or intolerance. While it’s still unclear if the allergy affects Black Americans more than other ethnicities, it’s still important for you to know what a gluten allergy can feel like. If the issue isn’t properly managed, it can negatively impact your day-to-day life.
What Is A Gluten Allergy?
Gluten is a protein that’s usually found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. When you have a gluten allergy, your body reacts negatively to the presence of the protein. This reaction will result in you feeling sick.
Remember that a gluten allergy isn’t the same as celiac disease as the latter condition is an autoimmune disorder. An allergy is also different from an intolerance. Your immune system’s overreaction causes the former to the presence of gluten while the latter means that your body can’t digest it.
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How To Know If You Have A Gluten Allergy
If you experience digestive discomfort and other symptoms after eating gluten, it’s possible that you have a gluten allergy. Given that gluten is in many common foods as well as medications, you might not always know that you’ve consumed it. The best thing to do is to keep track of what you eat and how it affects you.
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What Does A Gluten Allergy Feel Like?
A gluten allergy can feel different for each person. With an allergy, you’re likely to become itchy after eating gluten.
You might also have an upset stomach. If you’re dealing with gluten intolerance, however, the issues tend to be more centered on the digestive system - leading to problems like bloating and stomach pain.
Gluten Allergy Symptoms You Should Know
It’s unlikely that you’ll experience all the symptoms of an allergy or intolerance but there are a few that are common.
It’s also important to note that an allergy can present itself within an hour or so of eating gluten.
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However, it can take up to a few days for the symptoms of gluten intolerance to become apparent.
Common symptoms of gluten allergy:
- 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.
