Last time readers dropped by, they found ample information on the differences of celiac disease and a what allergy. In today’s discussion, readers will continue along in this series. Like every health condition, never diagnose yourself, and always seek medical attention. At Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida, patients can share their gluten sensitivity concerns.
Wheat allergy and gluten sensitivity:
We left off by sharing the ways doctors may go about diagnosing a what allergy. First, doctors may use a skin prick test. As we previously stated, it is a quick and easy test done in the office.
A tiny needle with a small amount of wheat protein pricks the surface of the skin. After fifteen minutes, there may be a red bump on the skin where it was pricked. If there is, it is likely the patient has a wheat allergy.
The first step also usually involves a log of foods eaten and any symptoms experienced. This gives doctors an extremely useful insight into what they cannot observe in everyday life. To treat a wheat allergy, a doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to help manage symptoms experienced due to exposure.
How to feel better:
The best practice usually just involves avoidance. Staying away from wheat may be the best option. If the wheat allergy is severe, symptoms can be life-threatening.
In this case, it is necessary to have multiple unexpired Epi-Pens. Those patients must always have one at all times. Other injectable epinephrine prescriptions can be sufficient as well, but Epi-Pens are often the most popular.
Wheat is reported as one of the top eight food allergens in the United States. Companies must disclose when wheat is found in the food product. Not all gluten-free foods are wheat-free which is why it is important to understand the difference between a wheat allergy and celiac disease.
Many gluten-free foods are also wheat-free, so people tend to get used to assuming the gluten-free food is also wheat-free. However, due to the increase in people living a gluten-free life, for any reason, people with a wheat allergy have plenty of options compared to the past.
Is there such thing as a gluten allergy?:
Celiac disease involves a sensitivity to gluten. Sometimes, people refer to it as an allergy, but they are incorrect. Scientists share there is no known gluten allergy.
Instead, an immune response is triggered in the small intestine when gluten in consumed. Over time this can cause damage, but gluten does not create true allergic reactions. Also, some doctors assume people use the term allergy so it is more respected is social settings such as restaurants or parties.
Did you know there are different types of gluten intolerances? The most well known form is called celiac disease. We have shared plenty about celiac disease in the past on our blog.
People with celiac disease must avoid gluten their entire lives to prevent serious complications. If a person with celiac disease eats gluten for an extended period of time, the lining of the small intestine will eventually wear down.
This issue is called villous atrophy. Villous atrophy happens when the microscopic, hair-like tentacles lining the small intestine erode away. This leaves basically a flat surface.
In our next blog we will share why this is detrimental and must be addressed immediately to avoid lifelong problems. Make an appointment today if you have noticed symptoms after eating gluten or wheat. Do not put off medical attention for long as it is extremely important to treat these issues.
Staff Writer