How to Recognize Symptoms of Gluten Allergy

Because the symptoms of gluten allergy closely mimic the symptoms of other digestive disorders, many sufferers are unaware of their allergy. As a result, they continue to eat foods that trigger a reaction, and in turn they deal with a variety of gastrointestinal problems.

Instructions

1. Although the symptoms of gluten allergy vary, most sufferers deal with ongoing abdominal pain and bloating. In most cases, discomfort occurs after eating foods that include gluten. Pain may be mild or severe, and bloating causes a full sensation.

2. Often times, gluten reactions are mistaken for lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome. However, once sufferers remove certain foods from their diet, constipation and uncontrolled bowels subside.

3. If left untreated, a simple gluten allergy can become a serious problem. While conditions such as lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome don’t damage the gastrointestinal tract, a gluten reaction can. Those who don’t seek treatment are at risk for developing serious conditions such as Crohn’s disease, colon cancer and ulcerative colitis.

4. Some sufferers deal with low energy and ongoing exhaustion. In fact, a few gluten allergy sufferers have been misdiagnosed, in which doctors suspected they had chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia. Both autoimmune diseases cause tiredness and digestive problems.

5. Due to abdominal bloating and constipation, some gluten allergy sufferers have loss of appetite. Thus, they don’t eat as much, and they begin to lose weight.