Gluten allergy symptoms can be confusing because they often look like everyday stomach issues. It’s estimated that only 6% of Americans have a gluten allergy or intolerance.
While it’s not clear whether gluten allergies affect Black Americans more, it’s important to know what to look for.
When gluten allergy symptoms go untreated, they can mess with your day-to-day life — and your peace.
What Is A Gluten Allergy?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When you have a gluten allergy, your immune system reacts negatively to gluten, and that reaction is what makes you feel sick.
A few key things to remember:
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A gluten allergy is not the same as celiac disease.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, not an allergy. -
A gluten allergy is also different from gluten intolerance, which is when your body struggles to digest gluten without triggering the immune system.
RELATED: Is Gluten Making You Sick? Look For These Top Signs!
What Do Gluten Allergy Symptoms Feel Like?
For some people, gluten allergy symptoms show up within an hour of eating foods containing wheat, barley, or rye. You might notice:
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Itching or skin reactions after eating
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A sudden upset stomach
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Digestive discomfort, like bloating or stomach pain
With gluten intolerance, symptoms are usually more focused on digestion, and can take longer (sometimes days) to show up.
RELATED: 9 Signs You May Be Allergic To Gluten
Gluten Allergy Symptoms You Should Know
It’s unlikely that you’ll have all of these symptoms, but here are the ones doctors see most often.
Digestive Gluten Allergy Symptoms
These symptoms usually appear quickly:
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Nausea
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Stomach cramps
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Diarrhea
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Vomiting
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Indigestion
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Bloating
Skin and Whole-Body Gluten Allergy Symptoms
Your immune system reacts — and you feel it everywhere:
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Skin rash or hives
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Sneezing
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Congestion
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Headaches
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Fatigue
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Joint pain
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Anxiety or mood changes
Rare but serious: Gluten allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction with breathing difficulty. If this happens, seek emergency care immediately.
How Do You Test For Gluten Allergy Symptoms?
There are three main ways doctors diagnose gluten allergies:
1. Skin Prick Test
A small amount of gluten is placed on your skin. If raised, red spots appear within about 20 minutes; that’s a positive reaction.
2. Blood Test
This checks for immune markers linked to allergies. It can also help rule out conditions like celiac disease.
3. Food Challenge
You eat gluten under medical supervision while the doctor checks for gluten allergy symptoms.
Testing for gluten intolerance is more complicated, since there’s no one definitive test. Doctors typically rule out other issues like:
RELATED: Q&A: Are Gluten Intolerance And Celiac Disease The Same?
When To See A Doctor
You should definitely see a doctor to determine what’s causing your symptoms. That’s because some of the possible conditions will need to be treated with prescribed medications.
Additionally, while you can manage gluten intolerance or allergy, there might be times when you’ll need a doctor’s intervention. If you’re having a severe allergic reaction, see a doctor immediately. That should also be your next step if you’ve been having vomiting or diarrhea for more than a day or you have developed bloody stools.
RELATED: Find A Gastroenterologist Here
Final Words On Gluten Allergy Symptoms
Gluten allergies and intolerances are considered to be fairly common, but they aren’t always the cause of your symptoms. It’s best to see a doctor so you can be officially diagnosed and receive guidance on the best way forward.
