About Gluten Intolerance
Gluten is a protein found in grain products, including wheat and barley. It is found in foods such as pasta and cereal. It may also be found in beer. People who have gluten intolerance do not absorb gluten which leads to associated symptoms.
There are no known risk factors for gluten intolerance. Some people are born with gluten intolerance while others develop it later in life.
Symptoms of gluten intolerance start after eating or drinking something that has gluten in it. Common symptoms of gluten intolerance include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Rash
It's important to note that symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. If you suspect gluten intolerance, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
To diagnose gluten intolerance, the doctor may conduct examinations, test, or procedures including:
- Medical history and physical exam: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, when the symptoms started, what may have triggered the symptoms, and the duration of symptoms. They may also physical exam.
- Blood tests: There is not blood test for gluten intolerance. Blood tests may be used to exclude (rule out) other possible reasons for your symptoms, such as an allergy to gluten.
- Skin tests: These may be used to exclude (rule out) other possible reasons for your symptoms.
- Diet diary review: If the doctor suspects you may have gluten intolerance, they may ask you to eat a gluten-free diet for several weeks and keep a symptom diary. If your symptoms improve, the doctor may ask you to include gluten in your diet again. If the symptoms return, this helps confirm a diagnosis of gluten intolerance.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and to determine the appropriate examinations, tests, and procedures for your specific situation.
The goals of treatment for gluten intolerance are to manage symptoms and reduce the impact of gluten intolerance on daily life.
- Gluten-free diet (GFD): The gold standard of treatment is avoiding foods that contain gluten, such as wheat, barley, and rye. This helps to avoid symptoms. A dietitian may be able to help you plan a gluten-free diet and understand which foods, drinks and ingredients contain gluten.
- Health behavior changes: Making certain lifestyle changes can support the treatment of gluten intolerance. These include reading food labels carefully, avoiding cross-contamination in food preparation, and asking for gluten-free options when eating out.
- Maintaining regular follow-up with the doctor: After changing your diet, the doctor may recommend regular lab tests to check for anemia and vitamin deficiencies that may occur with gluten intolerance.
Always consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding treatment options.