A gluten allergy is caused by gliadin, a glycoprotein that, along with glutenin (another protein), helps to form the gluten protein. Gluten is found in wheat and other related grains such as barley, oats, and rye. Gliadin is also one of the major allergens associated with wheat allergies and a trigger for celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disorder of the small intestine.
“Gluten Intolerance” is the term used to refer to the entire category of gluten issues: Celiac Disease, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and Wheat Allergy.
Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive process of the small intestine.
Celiac disease is a problem with digesting gluten.
Symptoms of a gluten allergy are often similar to those in celiac disease and may include Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Constipation, Fatigue, Heartburn, Bloating, Anxiety and Anemia.
Additional symptoms of a gluten allergy may include:
- trouble breathing
- ulcers in the mouth
- asthma
- depression
- osteoporosis
- weight loss
- rash
- swelling of the lips
- irritability
- anaphylaxis (in extreme cases)
