Gluten Allergy Causes

Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye and barley. Many people suffer from allergies to gluten that can be caused by different factors. Gluten allergies can cause a myriad of adverse affects on the body, such as abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue and constipation. Those who have gluten allergies often follow a gluten-free diet to reduce the symptoms associated with this condition.

Celiac Disease

One primary cause of gluten allergies in many people is Celiac disease. Food Allergy Solutions defines Celiac disease as a hereditary condition in which someone is allergic to gluten. Damage to the small intestine can occur, along with diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and overall poor health. Celiac disease is diagnosed by performing blood tests to determine the amount of damage to the small intestine. A biopsy of the small intestine can also provide a diagnosis of Celiac disease. Damage to the small intestine is visible because those who suffer from Celiac disease do not have an adequate amount of villi on the small intestine surface. People who have Celiac disease often develop an itchy rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis or DH. Suffering from Celiac disease also increases the risk of developing cancer of the digestive tract, osteoporosis, anemia and thyroid disorders.

Gluten Intolerance

Many people have gluten intolerance, as opposed to a true gluten allergy but the symptoms can be just as miserable. Gluten intolerance can produce symptoms of gas, abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea, which commonly occurs after eating wheat, rye or barley found in most grain based products. A gluten intolerance often has many symptoms similar to Celiac disease, however, with an intolerance to gluten no damage occurs to the small intestine. Many symptoms of gluten intolerance are resolved by consuming a gluten-free diet.Gluten-free diets eliminate grain products such as pasta and bread. Other foods that contain gluten are beer, lunch meats and herbal teas. Dietary counseling helps those who have a gluten intolerance and follow a gluten-free diet. Choosing a registered dietitian who specializes in gastrointestinal conditions is beneficial for those with a gluten intolerance. Those who continue to have adverse effects from wheat should be tested for Celiac disease or autoimmune disorders.

Autoimmune Disorder

Gluten allergies are often caused by autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune disorders can produce symptoms when someone consumes enough gluten to trigger a response from the immune system. The body then makes antibodies to attack the tissues and cells of the body which leads to abdominal symptoms, intestinal changes and eventual damage to the intestine. Autoimmune disorders can also cause malnutrition as a result of a gluten allergy, because the body cannot properly absorb nutrients from food. Malnutrition increases the risk of other illnesses. WebMD states that people who suffer from gluten allergies as a result of an autoimmune disorder are more likely to develop other autoimmune disorders such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.