Gluten Allergy

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as oats, rye, barley and wheat. These grains are often ground down to make different types of flour, and can be found in a wide variety of different food products such as baked goods and cereals. If you are allergic to gluten, if eaten, resulting symptoms of an allergic response can vary depending on age and gluten sensitivity.

Allergic Reactions to Gluten

In adults, an allergic reaction to gluten can cause the bowels to either seize up and result in constipation or become so irritated that stools become watery and runny. The stomach is likely to cramp and feelings of being bloated occur. A significant loss in weight is likely.


In children the symptoms can be more pronounced. Muscle wastage can occur because the body is unable to use the nutrients from the food being eaten. The abdominal cavity would start to look bloated and distended. Normal, healthy growth rates would not be seen as the body was not being provided with the nutrients it needed to flourish. A loss of appetite and mood swings might also occur.

Living with a Gluten Allergy

For both adults and children, diagnosis is possible through a simple blood test. Once a positive result for gluten allergy is obtained, dietary issues can then be addressed.

If the allergy is severe, the individual can take steps to remove all sources of gluten from their diet. This, in turn, will put a stop to all of the unpleasant symptoms of the allergy. If the sensitivity to gluten only produces a mild allergic reaction, there are several different ways to keep it under control. Reducing the amount of gluten ingested daily is one way to control the immune reaction. Another option would be to start taking allergy medication. This might be in the form of tablets, nasal sprays or even injections. For children suffering with this type of allergy, the odds are fairly good that they will grow out of it as they get older.

When pursuing a gluten free diet, care must be taken to ensure all dietary requirements for vitamins and minerals are met. By carefully tailoring one’s diet, there is still a wide range of foods that can be eaten. Coupled with any necessary supplements, those allergic to gluten can enjoy a healthy happy body, gluten free.

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