Gluten Allergy Diagnosis

Gluten is a storage protein found along with starch in the endosperm of some cereal grains, like wheat, rye, oat, barley and malt. In patients with gluten allergy, the digestive system is impaired and nutrient absorption is compromised. Almost all people diagnosed with this condition are aware with 'what is gluten'. Chemically, it is made up of two proteins, namely, glutenin and gliadin. In case of any recurrent signs related to digestive health, it is best to consult a doctor for gluten allergy diagnosis.

Gluten Allergy Causes and Symptoms

As per medical survey, the occurrence of gluten insensitivity in children and adult is very high. It runs in families and people who are predisposed to this problem are at a higher risk of manifesting gluten intolerance symptoms than others. Thus, it is partly an autoimmune disease and partly a hereditary disease. Medical condition caused as a result of allergic responses to gluten is also called celiac disease.

A patient having allergy to gluten may have mild inflammation of the inner intestinal lining or severe damage of the intestinal villi. In either of the case, nutrient absorption by the small intestinal wall is reduced to a certain extent, which overtime results in weakness signs. Symptoms of gluten allergy include fatigue, tiredness, lack of stamina, headache, breathing problems and skin conditions.

Information on Gluten Allergy Diagnosis

As mentioned already, gluten allergy symptoms are manifested as gastrointestinal discomfort and digestion problems. As a consequence, the probability of having gluten intolerance is higher in individuals who experience digestive problems. For people, who experience medical symptoms after consuming wheat, rye, barley and their products, it is strongly suggested to go for gluten sensitivity diagnosis. Popular methods followed for diagnosing gluten allergy are:

Elimination Diet
This is a common at-home approach for ruling out food allergy. In the first few days, foods containing gluten are eliminated from the diet plan. And if a person has gluten allergy, discomfort symptoms will subside gradually. For confirmation, a further step is indicated, which involves having foods that contain gluten. In case, the associated allergy symptoms return, it is confirmed that the person is sensitive to gluten protein.

Blood Tests
While using blood test for gluten intolerance diagnosis, two tests are conducted. First blood sample is collected when the patient is having a gluten free diet and second blood sample is drawn after consuming foods containing gluten. The two blood samples are compared for amount of antibodies. If the person is allergic to gluten, the level of certain antibodies is elevated after ingesting gluten.

Upper Endoscopy
Endoscopy is the most precise method for gluten allergy diagnosis. During the procedure, a flexible tube equipped with a small camera is introduced in the gastrointestinal column. As the tube passes, images of the intestine and duodenum are captured. For people with gluten allergy, there are prominent signs that indicate damage to the mucosal lining of the small intestine and duodenum.

According to the test results of wheat allergy diagnosis, the concerned physician will confirm whether an individual is having sensitivity to gluten protein or not. If yes, a handout for gluten allergy diet is circulated to the patient. Such a diet program is focused on avoiding food items that contain gluten. In order to supplement the nutrients provided by gluten containing cereals, the doctor will suggest other food grains, like rice, millet, quinoa and buckwheat.

Intolerance to gluten affects the diet and lifestyle habits of an individual. After all, it is a main ingredient in some of the most nutritive and fiber rich cereal grains. Fortunately, damage to the intestinal lining can be restored with timely gluten allergy diagnosis and prompt treatment approaches from the patient's side.