Gluten Allergy Information

Gluten allergy is an autoimmune disease in which damage to the lining of the small intestine is caused by ingesting gluten. Gluten is a sticky protein found in the grains of wheat, barley and rye. Treatment includes lifelong abstinence from all foods and food products containing gluten.

Disease Physiology and Diagnosis

Gluten allergy -- also called celiac disease or celiac sprue -- occurs when the body's immune system produces antibodies that damage the cilia of the small intestine. Chronic inflammation of the small intestine, coupled with damage to the cilia within the intestinal lining, is responsible for the malabsorption associated with the disease. According to MayoClinic.com, diagnosis of the disease includes a blood test and endoscopic biopsy of the small intestine.

Patient Symptoms

Symptoms of celiac disease vary from person to person. Some individuals may be asymptomatic until adulthood, while others experience symptoms in infancy or childhood. Infants with celiac disease may be diagnosed with failure to thrive. According to the National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse, some symptoms include, but are not limited to, fatty stool, constipation, gas and bloating, vomiting, weight loss and anemia.

Treatment

Treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet. Other treatments vary per individual and target specific associated disorders such as dermatitis herpetiformis, osteoporosis and nutritional deficiencies. The June 2004 National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on Celiac Disease report states, "The treatment of celiac disease remains a lifelong gluten-free diet, which results in remission for most individuals."