It is very common to hear the term “gluten allergy” at the moment.
In several restaurants and stores, people say they are allergic to gluten and, therefore, require products without the component.
The problem, however, is that there is no allergy to gluten. Medical science does not use this term and most reactions to gluten do not involve true allergic reactions.
So, what do people mean when they say they have a gluten allergy?
When this happens, they are using the term to designate recognized medical conditions that involve immune system reactions to gluten.
Today, we list the 5 most common conditions that people tend to define as gluten allergies. Check out!
See: 7 effects caused by the gluten-free diet
1. Celiac disease
This may be the best-known form of “gluten allergy”, even though it is not actually an allergy. Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder and its only current treatment is to avoid consuming foods that contain gluten.
When you have celiac disease and consume gluten, your immune system triggers a reaction that attacks the lining of your small intestine.
The condition usually causes unpleasant symptoms in your digestive system, but it can affect other parts of the body as well.
See Also: Gluten Intolerance? See tips for a delicious and healthy life
2. Gluten sensitivity
Gluten sensitivity is the second most common form of “gluten allergy”. When someone says they have this type of allergy, if they don’t have celiac disease, they probably have gluten sensitivity.
Medical science is beginning to recognize that some people who do not have celiac disease may experience unpleasant symptoms when they consume foods containing gluten. The condition can mimic celiac disease, making accurate diagnosis challenging.
To date, there is no acceptable way to diagnose gluten sensitivity although researchers are working on it).
Still, some doctors believe that the number of people with this form of “gluten allergy” will outnumber those with celiac disease.
See: Gluten-free diet: lose weight and avoid diseases
3. Gluten intolerance
In some cases, the term “gluten intolerance” has been used to mean celiac disease (and, of course, to mean “gluten allergy” as well), which only makes things more confusing.
Researchers and doctors are rallying around the use of the term “gluten sensitivity” instead of “gluten intolerance” for people who do not have celiac disease but who experience the same symptoms as those who do.
Ultimately, the term “gluten intolerance” will likely go out of fashion completely.
See Also: Lactose intolerance: causes, symptoms and treatments
4. Herpetiform dermatitis
Dermatitis herpetiformis is a skin rash that causes uncontrollable itching after consuming gluten.
As many people associate skin rashes with allergies, it is understandable when they call this dermatitis a gluten allergy, even though it is not also an allergy. Dermatitis herpetiformis, like celiac disease, is an autoimmune condition.
Discover: 6 common autoimmune diseases
5. Ataxia caused by gluten
Ataxia caused by gluten attacks the neurological system. This is a very rare autoimmune condition, but it can also be one of the causes popularly known as gluten allergy.
People with ataxia need to follow a gluten-free diet to avoid serious neurological damage.
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As you can see, someone who reports having a gluten allergy could actually have any of the conditions we mentioned.
Still, there is a unifying factor in all of them: treatment generally involves a gluten-free diet.
Consult a doctor and undergo more detailed tests if you suspect you have a “gluten allergy” to find out your real condition.
See Also: Differences between milk allergy and lactose intolerance
