Diagnosing gluten intolerance is not as easy as it would seem, judging by how many people report to have a gluten intolerance and/or engage in a gluten-free diet. In actuality, testing for gluten intolerance and diagnosing a gluten sensitivity is a complex process that is best handled by an allergy specialist.
What Are The Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance?
Gluten intolerance is characterized by serious, non-allergic reactions to gluten molecules in wheat, soy sauce, and other food products. It is similar to Celiac disease, but a completely different physical ailment. An autoimmune response by the body to the presence of gluten in the stomach/gastric system, gluten intolerance commonly shows the following symptoms:
- Itching Skin (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Tiredness / Fatigue
- Stomach Bloating / Stomach Pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Bone and Joint Pain
- Headaches
- Numbness
- Depression
- Anxiety
The symptoms and triggers for gluten intolerance are extremely similar to the triggers and symptoms for several other gastrointestinal disorders including: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Wheat Food Allergy, Celiac Disease, and Crohn’s Disease.
It is important to have your gluten intolerance diagnosed by a doctor that specializes in food and environmental allergies, and has a clear understanding of the differences between GI and other similar ailments.
Is Gluten Allergy A Real Thing?
Is gluten allergy real? Yes and no. Humans cannot be allergic to the gluten molecules found-in and a byproduct-of foods like wheat; rather humans can develop sensitivities-to and intolerance-for gluten molecules. The difference is the type of reaction produced by the body, and a wheat allergy will cause a reaction to wheat, rather than to the gluten molecule.
Why Do So Many People Say That Gluten Allergies Are Fake?
People call “Gluten Allergies” fake because of: a misunderstanding in the terminology, a misunderstanding of the gluten-free diet fads, misunderstandings caused by the many misdiagnoses of gluten intolerance.
No, you cannot be allergic to the gluten molecule. However, many people have intolerance and sensitivity reactions to gluten molecules. It is not an allergic reaction, but a serious reaction nonetheless.
Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBS), and several other gastrointestinal disease share similar symptoms. Misdiagnoses of Gluten Intolerance (GI) further confuse the subject of whether or not gluten allergies are a real medical concern.
How To Test For Gluten Intolerance
There is currently no adequate test for gluten sensitivity and gluten intolerance that is not-related to Celiac disease. So, Allergy Doctors that perform gluten sensitivity testing instead test for other diseases to rule those out as diagnoses. Using this reverse-testing procedure, your allergist can make a confident diagnosis.
Testing For Unexplained Chronic Illnesses
Family Allergy Clinic is the best Mesa, AZ doctor for testing for chronic unexplained illnesses due to our work with allergies. Many chronic illnesses that defy traditional diagnosis can be tied to allergies, hay fever, asthma, and other inflammatory diseases.
Even if your doctor cannot find anything wrong with you and you have gotten several second opinions, seeing an allergy specialist for another opinion can be beneficial. Testing for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Food Allergies, Environmental Allergies, Asthma, Sinus Problems, Hay Fever, Gluten Sensitivity, and Celiac Disease can either identify the root cause of your unexplained illness or rule-out other common diseases.
Test for Celiac Disease in Mesa Arizona
Family Allergy Clinic in Mesa, AZ is your first call to get tested to see if you have Celiac disease, or the several other possible ailments that have similar symptoms. Contact us today for the best family allergist in Phoenix East Valley.
