What is gluten intolerance?
Gluten is a protein that’s found in wheat, rye, and barley. Many individuals who are unable to digest gluten easily have a gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance.
Celiac disease
The most severe form of gluten intolerance occurs with an autoimmune condition called celiac disease. If you have celiac disease, eating foods with gluten promotes an immune response that damages your small intestine and causes severe problems with nutrient absorption.
Gluten sensitivity
If you have symptoms when you eat foods containing gluten but don’t test positive for celiac disease, then you may have a non-celiac gluten sensitivity. With gluten sensitivity, you can still experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms linked to eating gluten, but without the intestinal damage or presence of antibodies that people with celiac disease have.
What are the common symptoms of gluten intolerance?
Some of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance include:
- Bloating in your abdomen after eating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches and fatigue
- Skin problems, such as psoriasis
- Weight loss
- Iron deficiency
The symptoms of gluten sensitivity are similar to the digestive issues that patients with celiac disease have, so it’s essential to get an accurate diagnosis if you experience any of the signs of gluten intolerance. That way, Dr. Rayapudi can determine the best treatment protocol for your specific type of gluten problem.
How can I get tested for gluten intolerance?
To learn if you have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity, Dr. Rayapudi talks to you about your symptoms, including how often they occur and the severity of them. He may also request blood tests to detect the presence of specific antibodies.
The most accurate test for celiac disease is a biopsy of the small intestine. For this test, Dr. Rayapudi performs an endoscopy to take samples of your intestinal lining. He tests these samples to confirm a gluten intolerance caused by celiac disease.
If you have celiac disease, you need to avoid foods with gluten altogether to allow your small intestine to heal. In fact, people with celiac disease must entirely avoid gluten for life to avoid symptoms and stay well.
If you have symptoms when you eat gluten-containing foods, call the office or schedule a consultation online to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
