Gluten allergy can trigger a range of symptoms, from stomach cramps and vomiting, to headaches, skin rashes and anaphylaxis.
Overview
What is gluten?
It’s the name given to the proteins in grains such as wheat, rye and barley.
Is a gluten allergy the same things as gluten intolerance or coeliac disease?
No. They’re all distinct conditions. See below for more details.
What is a gluten allergy?
A reaction, in which antibodies are released to tackle what your body mistakenly believes is a threat.
How do I know if I have an allergy?
A simple blood test is all you need. Book yours now.
What are the symptoms?
Typical symptoms range from digestive discomfort to respiratory issues, skin rashes and, in worst cases, anaphylaxis.
Should I switch to a gluten-free diet now?
No. Take the test, then see your GP before making any dietary changes.
Did You Know?
Gluten-free diets are only recommended for people with gluten allergy, intolerance or coeliac disease.
What is gluten?
Gluten is the name given to the proteins in wheat, rye, spelt, barley, semolina and many other grains. Because gluten is so common, a gluten allergy can be triggered by consuming a wide range of foods, from bread to beer, pasta to cakes and cereals to some soups.
Gluten allergy, intolerance or coeliac disease?
There’s a broad overlap between gluten allergy, gluten intolerance and coeliac disease, which can make it difficult to tell one from the other based on symptoms alone. If you suffer some form of discomfort or reaction after eating gluten-based foods, testing really is the only way to be sure which condition you have.
A gluten allergy is an (over)reaction by your body to the proteins in gluten. Your body mistakenly treats gluten as a threat and releases antibodies to shut it down. These antibodies trigger the allergic reaction. In rare but serious cases, an allergic reaction to gluten can be life threatening.
Coeliac disease is not an allergy. It is a condition of the auto-immune system in which eating gluten causes the immune system to attack and damage the lining of the gut.
Gluten intolerance can be unpleasant, and symptoms can be like coeliac disease, but the condition is not life threatening (as a gluten allergy can be), nor does it cause damage to the gut lining.
What are the symptoms of an allergy?
Gluten allergies can trigger a range of conditions, including skin rashes, digestive discomfort (bloating, abdominal cramps, vomiting) watery eyes, a runny nose, shortness of breath and, in the most severe cases, anaphylaxis.
This can be life threatening, and if you have a severe gluten allergy, talk to your doctor about carrying epinephrine. If you experience shortness of breath, feel faint, have clammy skin and a racing heartbeat after consuming gluten, dial 999.
Treating a gluten allergy
Whilst there’s a distinction between gluten allergy, gluten intolerance and coeliac disease, the treatment is much the same. There is no cure for a gluten allergy (although many people who have a gluten allergy as children grow out of them by the time they reach puberty), so avoiding gluten is the simplest way to stay safe.
Avoiding gluten is now much easier than it once was – most supermarkets offer extensive ranges of gluten-free foods, but it’s important not to place yourself on a gluten-free diet before speaking to your doctor.
If you take our gluten allergy test and it proves positive, see your GP about switching to a gluten-free diet.
How do I get tested?
Better2Know Your Body offers a simple blood test designed to check for gluten allergy. The test includes:
- Gluten single IgE Allergen
- Endomysial Abs IgA
- Reticulin Abs IgA
- Gliadin Abs IgA and IgG
- Tissue Transglutiminase IgA
- HLA DQ2/DQ8
- Total IgA
Once you know whether you have a gluten allergy you can control your diet with confidence.
To book your test contact Better2Know Your Body now on the number above or click the Book Now button below.