Gluten Intolerance: signs & symptoms

• Gluten Intolerance : Signs and Symptoms
• Written by Markus MacGill
• Reviewed by Alana Biggers, MD, MPH
• Last reviewed: Thu 15 Sep 2016
• Gluten intolerance is one of the wheat-related disorders. These are symptoms that some people have after they eat foods that contain gluten. Wheat has high gluten content. Barley and rye also contain it.
• Researchers often give gluten intolerance the name non-celiac gluten sensitivity. The reaction to eating gluten is not the same as that for people who have celiac disease , even though the symptoms are similar.
• Celiac disease happens to people who are genetically at risk, whereas gluten intolerance is not so well understood.
• In celiac disease, the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, triggered by gluten in the diet. It only happens in people who have a genetic vulnerability. Scientists have even identified certain genes that may be behind celiac disease.
• The third wheat-related disorder is wheat allergy. This disorder can produce very serious signs and symptoms.
• Contents of this article:
• Symptoms of gluten intolerance
• What triggers gluten intolerance symptoms?
• Diagnosis of gluten intolerance
• Living with gluten intolerance
• Symptoms of gluten intolerance
• People with gluten intolerance should avoid eating wheat-based foods such as bread.
• The most common symptoms of gluten intolerance are, when the diet contains wheat:
• Bloating
• Belly pain
• Diarrhea
• Feeling unwell, including tiredness
• The following are further symptoms that people with gluten intolerance might also experience. They are less common than the symptoms above and include wider symptoms beyond the gut:
• Stomach pain (more specific than belly pain)
• Anxiety
• Headache
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Numbness
• Joint or muscle pain
• It is important to get medical advice for these symptoms. If the signs and symptoms turn out to be because of some reason other than gluten intolerance, it may be important to get treatment.
• Gut symptoms can be vague. Many conditions affecting the gut show some overlap that can be looked into with the help of doctors.
• Diagnosing gluten problems requires the diet to carry on as normal. Diagnosis cannot be made if patients decide to stop eating gluten foods before seeing a doctor.
• Severe belly pain is not a symptom of gluten intolerance. Severe pain needs immediate medical attention.
• Difference between gluten intolerance and wheat allergy
• Wheat allergy is the most serious of the wheat-related disorders. It is similar to other allergies, has serious symptoms, and can be a severe threat.
• Gluten intolerance symptoms are not dangerous, whereas wheat allergy symptoms and signs can even be life-threatening.
• The symptoms of wheat allergy include:
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Mouth or throat irritation
• Rash, hives
• Blocked nose
• Irritated eyes
• Difficulty breathing - people experiencing this should call an ambulance straight away
• It is important to get medical advice urgently for suspected wheat allergy. Severe allergic reactions can quickly threaten life.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling that restricts breathing are all very serious symptoms when caused by allergy. Go to a nearby emergency room or call an ambulance.
• What triggers gluten intolerance symptoms?
• The main gluten food is wheat, though many other foods such as grains, barley, and rye also contain gluten.
• Scientists have a good understanding of why signs and symptoms happen to people who have celiac disease or wheat allergy. Why people with gluten intolerance have their gut symptoms is not clear, however.
• What is gluten ?
• Gluten is the name for the proteins that give wheat its unique baking qualities. It determines the ability of wheat dough to absorb water, stick together, and remain viscous and elastic.
• Wheat is the main gluten food but many others also contain these proteins. Gluten foods include other grass-related grains, barley, and rye.
• Gluten is found in baked foods such as breads and cracker-type biscuits, and in pastas, seasonings, and spices..