December 6, 2024 Michelle Schmanski

15 Gluten Allergy Symptoms You Should Know

The gut is intimately connected to the rest of the body. This association can leave people wondering if their fatigue, headaches, or even mood swings might be related to the foods they eat. Many assume that gluten allergies only cause digestive issues. But that’s not the whole story. Gluten-related conditions can affect the body in a variety of ways.

Gluten, a protein in wheat, may cause several reactions: a gluten allergy, gluten intolerance, and celiac disease. Gluten allergies trigger an immune response that can cause various symptoms, from nasal congestion to rashes. Gluten intolerance causes digestive discomfort without involving the rest of the immune system. Celiac disease, on the other hand, is a severe autoimmune condition. With celiac disease, gluten causes a significant reaction that damages the intestines.

Many people wonder if gluten is affecting their health. Here are some of the most common gluten allergy symptoms you should know.

15 Gluten Allergy Symptoms

1. Abdominal Pain: Many with gluten sensitivity feel stomach cramping or discomfort after eating gluten. This is due to the inflammatory process in the GI tract produced by the immune system when gluten is present.
2. Bloating: A gluten allergy can inflame and damage the small intestine, often causing a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
3. Stool Changes: When people with a gluten allergy eat gluten, it can cause various stool changes, such as diarrhea or constipation.
4. Gas: Excessive flatulence can occur after consuming gluten if you have a gluten allergy.
5. Nausea and Vomiting: Celiac disease, a severe gluten allergy, can cause nausea and vomiting. People with celiac disease who consume gluten can experience nausea and vomiting as a result of the body trying to get rid of the irritation.
6. Weight Changes: People with a severe gluten allergy can experience weight loss due to the malabsorption of vital vitamins and nutrients in the colon. Weight gain, on the other hand, may occur due to inflammation in the body.
7. Brain Fog: A gluten allergy can cause poor focus, forgetfulness, and fatigue. Consuming gluten can trigger due to inflammation in the body. This can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, which typically helps regulate mental clarity.
8. Headaches: Eating gluten when you are allergic increases inflammation, which can trigger headaches or migraines.
9. Fatigue: Tiredness unrelated to lack of sleep or physical exertion can be a symptom of a gluten allergy that may be overlooked or blamed on other causes.
10. Rashes or Hives: A gluten allergy can cause skin reactions. When people with this allergy eat gluten, their immune system may overreact, causing itchy bumps, rashes, and hives.
11. Nasal Congestion: Consuming gluten when you have a gluten allergy is similar to being exposed to pollen if you have seasonal allergies. When you have a gluten allergy and eat gluten, the body releases histamine, which can cause inflammation and swelling of the sinuses, resulting in a stuffy or runny nose.
12. Sneezing or Coughing: Due to the histamine response, people with a gluten allergy can experience sneezing or coughing after eating gluten.
13. Joint Pain, Stiffness, or Muscle Aches: Consuming gluten when you have an allergy can increase inflammation in the body, including in your joints and muscles.
14. Mood Changes: The brain-gut connection can become altered in people with a gluten allergy, which can lead to mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression.
15. Anemia: Anemia or low iron levels can occur in people with a gluten allergy due to poor nutrient absorption in the intestines.

When to See A Doctor For Gluten Allergy

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after eating gluten-containing foods, you may have a gluten allergy. However, you may also have another gastrointestinal condition. An experienced gastroenterologist can help you get to the bottom of your symptoms.

Don’t continue to wonder if you have a gluten allergy – schedule an appointment today!

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Related:

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• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Therapies You Should Know
• The Top Foods to Avoid for a Healthy Gut