Gluten is a type of protein commonly found in some grain products such as barley, wheat, and rye. It helps maintain the food’s shape, keeps it moist and chewy, and makes the bread rise and look fluffy. Gluten may be harmless, tasteless, and odorless to some people. However, it can be fatal for many unlucky individuals.
People with such sensitivity to the food ingredient gluten most likely have a condition called celiac disease. It is usually diagnosed by an allergy specialist doctor. But if you suspect of having this condition, it is best to consult an allergist specialist for proper treatment.
What is a celiac disease?
It is said that one in 100 people around the world has celiac disease. To help manage this condition, you should visit an allergy clinic near you to prevent further complications that can be life-threatening if not managed properly.
This condition is considered an autoimmune disease wherein digestion of foods containing gluten can trigger allergic reactions. Worse, it can cause irreversible damage in the small intestine and largely affect your digestion. To begin with, celiac disease may not be easily detected as its symptoms vary from person to person.
As mentioned, celiac disease is triggered when a person has an allergic reaction to gluten. Upon consumption of food containing gluten, it triggers an immune response that causes damage to the small intestine particularly the villi. These finger-like things line up the intestine and aid in the absorption of nutrients. However, damaged villi can affect nutrient absorption and food digestion in general.
Celiac disease may occur either in childhood or in adulthood. However, it is believed that this condition runs in the family, which is why it may be a good idea to consult an allergist doctor to know if you inherited the condition. Nevertheless, the exact cause of the celiac disease is relatively unknown.
Causes and symptoms
As mentioned, both children and adults can be afflicted with celiac disease. However, symptoms may vary between both. For example, adults who have or are suspected to have this condition may experience one or more of the following symptoms.
- Diarrhea/constipation
- A feeling of bloating and excess gas
- Sleep problems which can lead to chronic fatigue
- Sudden weight loss
- Anemia due to iron deficiency
- Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting
- Presence of rashes (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Osteoporosis
- Mouth sores
- Tingling sensation in the hands and feet due to an injury in the nervous system
- Balance and cognitive problems
- Hyposplenism (a condition that affects spleen function)
On the other hand, children may experience symptoms different from those of adults. It is also said that children may be more prone to digestive issues than adults. One possible reason is that their digestive system is not yet as mature as adults. Among common symptoms of celiac disease in children include:
- Constipation/diarrhea
- Excessive gas
- Bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stools that may have an unbearable smell
If you suspect your child has the condition, it is important to have him/her get an allergy testing procedure for proper treatment. Otherwise, it can affect digestion and lack of nutrient absorption can lead to:
- Weak teeth
- Weight loss
- Headaches
- A tendency to throw frequent tantrums
- Anemia due to iron deficiency
- Delays in growth and puberty
- Learning and muscle coordination problems
- Death especially in infants
What to have and not to have in a gluten diet
People with celiac disease should follow a strict gluten-free diet. Likewise, it is important to identify certain foods that contain gluten but does not explicitly state it in the food label. You can consult an allergy doctor regarding gluten-free foods you can indulge in.
Some wheat-based products that usually contain gluten include the following:
- Semolina (common in couscous and pasta)
- Self-rising (phosphate) flour
- Graham flour
- Farina (common in hot cereals)
- Flour enriched with minerals and vitamins
- Other wheat varieties such as durum, spelt, einkorn, kamut, and emmer
In addition, some foods may have gluten and should be careful not to eat to avoid adverse reactions. These include:
- Beer, ale, malt (all barley-based beverage)
- Bread
- Cakes and pastries
- Cereals
- Soy sauce
- Pasta
- Soup Mixes
Meanwhile, a usual gluten-free diet may include meat, seafood, eggs, and other protein-rich foods. There are also gluten-free grain alternatives such as millet, quinoa, and buckwheat. You can also include vegetables and nuts, although you may need to consult an allergist as you may also have allergies with the latter.
Seek medical help from allergy experts
If you experience the abovementioned signs of celiac disease, you should visit an allergy clinic in Manassas VA so you will be given the right medication and treatment.