Gluten Allergy Symptoms In Adults
by Sarah
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As you begin to research gluten allergy symptoms in adults, you will discover how the two primary difficulties of identifying and defining gluten allergy symptoms in adults are not symptoms at all but the nebulous nature of the term gluten allergy symptoms and the complicated nature of all its related conditions, especially for adult onset celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Additionally, it can be a bit difficult isolating adult symptoms from gluten allergy symptoms in children.
Identifying Gluten Allergy Symptoms In Adults
Before you can identify the symptoms of a gluten allergy in any person, you need to determine whether you are trying to identify the symptoms to one of three somewhat separate conditions. Gluten allergy symptoms in adults can fall under three separate areas of symptoms:
Wheat Allergy Symptoms In Adults
A wheat allergy is completely different from gluten intolerance or celiac disease. It is a histamine response to consuming wheat, and not an autoimmune response to consuming gluten (which can be in many more products than just wheat products).
The symptoms of a wheat allergy for people of any age include a rash or hives, stomach pain, intestinal distress (bloating and gas), as well as sneezing, watery eyes and in some cases lung irritation and difficulty breathing. You should see an allergy specialist to help you with identifying and diagnosing a wheat allergy.
Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms In Adults
A gluten sensitivity is much more similar to celiac disease than a wheat allergy. In fact, some believe people diagnosed with a non-celiac gluten sensitivity may one day be defined as having celiac disease, they just don’t fit the current clinical definition (which may evolve).
Gluten sensitivity symptoms can sometimes be difficult to identify in adults. While the primary symptoms involve gastrointestinal problems, like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, cramping and gas, sometimes people develop what some call silent celiac disease symptoms. This occurs when you are experiencing either celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, but your symptoms are not the the most common symptoms. Since these symptoms are generally the same as those discussed in the next section, read on for the specific gluten sensitivity symptoms in adults.
Celiac Disease Symptoms In Adults
Celiac disease is different from gluten sensitivity in one primary way: it can be clinically diagnosed with one or more of three specific methods. First, a genetic test can determine if you have the gene one must have (HLA-DQ8 or HLA-DQ2) to be considered susceptible to celiac disease. Second, blood work must reveal unusually high levels of the antibodies a celiac sufferer endures when exposed to gluten, which include AGA, EMA and Anti-tTG. Third, one can have an intestinal biopsy to help determine the degree of villi atrophy along the lining of one’s small intestine. Please see my celiac disease symptoms in adults article for more on these distinctions.
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As I mentioned in the gluten sensitivity section, the most common celiac disease symptoms in adults can sometimes not be present. Instead, the following non-digestive symptoms can occur, which people often don’t immediately associate with celiac disease. These can occur in people suffering from a gluten sensitivity or from clinical celiac disease:
- Joint Pain
- Headaches and Migraines
- Ataxia (which in this case will be referred to as Gluten Ataxia)
- Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies in Blood Work
- Bone density loss
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
For more comprehensive symptom lists relating to a general gluten allergy, gluten intolerance or celiac disease, please read the following pages of my site:
Treating Gluten Allergy Symptoms In Adults
If you determine that you are suffering from any of these types of gluten allergy symptoms besides a wheat allergy, you must adapt a strict gluten-free diet regardless of the subtlety or vagueness of symptoms. Long-term consequences (gluten ataxia, malnutrition and even cancer) are too severe to not be proactive in your approach.
People suffering from a only wheat allergy need to be strict in avoiding all wheat products, but other gluten containing grains may be acceptable (like Barley and Rye). However, a wheat allergy this isn’t to downplay the potential severity of a wheat allergy compared to a gluten intolerance. Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic shock) can be deadly.
Additional treatments for gluten allergy symptoms in adults can include probiotics and enzymes. I also suggest you obtain a blood panel to determine vitamin and mineral deficiencies and then take the appropriate supplements to help you recover. Make sure you research and select gluten-free supplements.
Gluten allergy symptoms in adults can be difficult and confusing. Please take the time to read some of the articles on my site to delineate the differences between the different associated conditions and make sure you always consult a medical professional before settling on any kind of diagnosis. Self-diagnosis can be dangerous, especially when it comes to matters like celiac disease and Gluten Intolerance.
