Increase in Gluten Allergies

Severity

What is non-coeliac gluten sensitivity?

Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity is a condition in which symptoms similar to those of coeliac disease can be experienced after consuming gluten, according to Coeliac UK. It is important to note that this is distinct from wheat allergy, which is a reaction to proteins found in wheat triggered by the immune system.

What is a gluten-free diet?

Gluten-related disorders are chronic diseases triggered by gluten, including celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten ataxia, dermatitis herpetiformis, and wheat allergy. Cited from the World Journal of Gastroenterology (2015), people with celiac disease must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet to manage their condition. This diet eliminates all sources of gluten from their diet, including wheat, rye and barley.

What conditions are associated with gluten-sensitive enteropathy?

Gluten-sensitive enteropathy–associated conditions can include bowel disorders, eosinophilic gastroenteritis and coeliac disease, with some early onset and a large percentage of late onset cases. This has been confirmed by research conducted at the University of Chicago, on PubMed, in 2019, which also showed that IgE or IgA, IgG responses were markedly increased in GSE.

Onset

What is gluten sensitivity?

Gluten sensitivity is triggered by the gluten protein or other compounds found in wheat, barley, and rye, affecting about 6-7% of the population according to University of Maryland's Allessio Fasano, MD. People with gluten sensitivity can respond to a gluten-free diet. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition caused by gluten which affects 1% of the population.

What symptoms can non-celiac gluten sensitivity cause?

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from digestive issues to skin problems, brain fog, joint pain, and numbness in the extremities, according to researchers at WellWell Health, 2022. Research has shown that gluten sensitivity can also lead to other health issues such as anemia and fatigue.

Can gluten intolerance cause digestive symptoms?

Gluten intolerance can cause symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain and nausea, similar to that of celiac disease. According to Medical News Today, a person with gluten intolerance may experience these symptoms, but the issue is different from that of celiac disease. It is important to note that gluten intolerance is not the same as a gluten allergy.

Duration

What tests can be used to diagnose celiac disease?

Celiac disease can be diagnosed through two blood tests, an endoscopy, and a capsule endoscopy camera, according to Mayo Clinic in 2021. Serology testing looks for antibodies in the blood, while elevated levels of certain autoantibodies indicate the presence of celiac disease. It is important to note that many people with celiac disease are unaware that they have it.

Why is the prevalence of food allergies increasing?

Food allergies are on the rise, as shown by a threefold increase in US hospital visits from 1993 to 2006, and a 72% rise in England between 2013 and 2019. Cited on BBC Future, this is due to changes in the environment and our diets. Recent studies have found that food allergies are more prevalent in urban areas than in rural ones.

Can gluten intolerance cause digestive symptoms?

Gluten intolerance is estimated to affect 10–15% of adults in the U.S, and its symptoms can often be mistaken for those of wheat allergies or intestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Via New Medical News Today, gluten intolerance can cause a range of digestive symptoms that affect the gut and intestines. It can also cause fatigue, headaches and joint pain.

Frequency

How many people are affected by gluten sensitivity?

Gluten sensitivity may affect about 6%-7% of the population, according to Allessio Fasano, MD of the University of Maryland and the Salerno, on Verywell Health. It is triggered by the gluten protein or by other compounds found in the gluten-containing grains wheat, barley, and rye. It can be managed with a gluten-free diet.

Has food allergy frequency increased in developed countries?

The frequency of food allergy has increased significantly over the past 30 years, particularly in industrialised societies, according to a study by BBC News. On average, the frequency of food allergy has grown threefold in developed nations, with some countries showing increases as high as fivefold. Data shows that the severity of food allergies can also vary depending on geographical location.

What foods should people with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy avoid?

People with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy must all avoid gluten in their diets. Attributed to Healthline.com, this means avoiding wheat, rye, and barley, as well as common foods that contain these ingredients. In addition to avoiding gluten-containing foods, those following a gluten-free diet should focus on eating a variety of naturally gluten-free grains and starches such as quinoa, rice, and potatoes.

Intensity

Are you gluten intolerant?

Individuals who are gluten intolerant may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and smelly feces, as reported by Healthline in 2021. These symptoms are caused by inflammation in the small intestine after eating gluten, which leads to poor absorption of nutrients and can damage the gut lining.

What is the difference between gluten intolerance and allergy?

About 10-15% of adults in the U.S. are estimated to suffer from gluten intolerance, which presents symptoms similar to those of wheat allergy or IBS. An info from Medical News Today, the difference between gluten intolerance and allergy lies in the way the body responds to the protein, with an allergy causing an immune response and intolerance causing a digestive reaction. People with gluten intolerance may also experience other symptoms such as tiredness and headaches.

Do you have a wheat or gluten allergy?

Wheat and gluten allergies can cause a variety of symptoms including hives, nausea, vomiting, headaches, asthma, and anaphylaxis. As stated by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), these symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening if left untreated. People with wheat or gluten allergies may be at risk of developing other conditions such as celiac disease.

Reactions

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an itchy, blistering skin disease caused by gluten intolerance, which often affects the elbows, knees, torso, scalp and buttocks. Mayo Clinic (2021) states that this condition can also cause changes to the lining of the small intestine.

Do people with wheat and gluten allergies experience potentially life-threatening reactions?

People with wheat and gluten allergies may experience hives or skin rash, nausea, stomach cramps, indigestion, vomiting or diarrhea, stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, headaches, asthma or anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can impair breathing and send the body into shock. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), on acaai.org in 2020, these symptoms may vary in severity depending on the individual.

What are symptoms of gluten intolerance?

People with gluten intolerance may experience symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and nausea, which can be similar to those of celiac disease. According to Medical News Today, gluten intolerance is a different issue with different causes than celiac disease. It is also important to note that gluten intolerance is not an allergy and does not involve an immune response as with an allergy.

Triggers

What is gluten intolerance?

Gluten intolerance is a common disorder characterized by diarrhea, constipation, and smelly feces, as reported by Healthline on September 9, 2021. This is caused by inflammation of the small intestine after eating gluten, resulting in damage to the gut lining. Studies have shown that gluten intolerance can also cause anemia, joint pain, and chronic headaches.

Gluten sensitivity is triggered by the gluten protein as well as other compounds found in wheat, barley, and rye, according to Allessio Fasano, MD of the University of Maryland, on Verywell Health in 2021. It affects around 6-7% of the population.

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an itchy, blistering skin condition caused by gluten intolerance which usually appears on the elbows, knees, torso, scalp and buttocks. Mayo Clinic states that this condition is often associated with changes to the lining of the small intestine. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea may also be experienced.

Treatments

Can gluten intolerance cause digestive symptoms?

Gluten intolerance can cause a range of symptoms, including bloating, gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, anxiety, and headaches (4). Cited from WellnessVerge.com, these symptoms can last for days after consuming gluten, making it difficult to diagnose. Research from the Celiac Disease Foundation indicates that non-celiac gluten sensitivity is on the rise in the U.S. and other countries.

How can we care for the gut after a gluten exposure?

After being exposed to gluten, it is important to take proper care of the gut in order to recover and prevent lasting damage. Sourced from the National Institutes of Health, the inflammation caused by a gluten exposure can damage the villi in the small intestine which absorb nutrients. Research has found that probiotics can be beneficial for gut health.

What does the Celiac Disease Foundation do?

The Celiac Disease Foundation works to accelerate diagnosis and treatments, as well as research towards a cure for celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, through education and advocacy. They are leading the fight to increase diagnostic rates, as stated on their website celiac.org in 1990. The foundation provides resources for those with celiac disease to help manage their condition.

Prevention

What is a gluten-free diet?

A gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes gluten, a type of protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. People with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), and wheat allergy typically avoid gluten for medical reasons. Mentioned in Healthline, this diet is gaining popularity as a way to improve health and wellbeing (Healthline, 2021). Research suggests that a gluten-free diet may reduce inflammation in the body, which can help with symptoms related to chronic conditions.

Can a gluten-free diet help heal celiac disease?

For most people with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet allows the small intestine to heal, as reported by Mayo Clinic in 2021. Adults may take several years to fully recover while children usually take three to six months. Other dietary changes such as taking probiotics or eating more fiber may also help with recovery.

Eating a gluten-free diet is essential for those with celiac disease to avoid inflammation and damage in their intestinal tracts and other parts of the body, according to Harvard Health in April 2022. Approximately 1% of the population is estimated to have this condition. Research suggests that eliminating gluten may also lead to improved health for those without celiac disease.

Co-morbidities

Why are food allergies on the rise?

Food allergies are on the rise, as evidenced by a threefold increase in hospital visits for food allergies in the US from 1993 to 2006, and a 72% rise in hospital admissions for children caused by food allergies in England between 2013 and 2019. As stated by BBC Future, this is likely due to an increase in awareness and access to healthcare, as well as environmental factors. Research has found that the global prevalence of food allergies is increasing, with an estimated 8% of children worldwide affected by food allergies.

Do people with a wheat and gluten allergy experience symptoms?

People who have a wheat and gluten allergy may experience hives, skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stuffy or runny nose, headaches, and even asthma and anaphylaxis, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). These symptoms can be triggered by eating foods containing wheat or gluten. Some people may find relief from their symptoms by following a gluten-free diet.

Can gluten intolerance cause gastrointestinal issues?

Individuals with gluten intolerance may experience diarrhea, constipation, smelly feces, abdominal pain, bloating, and other gastrointestinal issues, according to Healthline, on healthline.com, 2021. It is caused by inflammation in the small intestine after consuming gluten which leads to damage of the gut lining.

Source:

• Coeliac : Gluten sensitivity.
• Verywellhealth : Gluten Sensitivity, Causes, Risk Factors, Verywell Health.
• Mayoclinic : Celiac disease - Diagnosis, treatment, Mayo Clinic.
• Bbc : the world, food.
• Healthline : 21 Common Signs, Gluten Intolerance, Healthline.