Gluten Allergy Test

Gluten Allergy Test

Gluten Allergy Test, If you suspect you have a gluten-related disorder, such as celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, it’s important to consult with a medical professional for proper evaluation and testing. Here are the common steps involved in diagnosing gluten-related disorders:

1. Medical History and Symptoms: Your doctor will start by taking a thorough medical history, including details about your symptoms, family history, and any existing medical conditions.
2. Physical Examination: A physical examination may be performed to check for signs of malnutrition, skin conditions, or other related symptoms.
3. Blood Tests:
   • Celiac Disease Blood Tests: Celiac disease is typically screened using blood tests that measure specific antibodies. The most common tests include:
     • Anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) antibodies: Elevated levels of these antibodies can indicate celiac disease.
     • Anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA): These antibodies are often present in people with celiac disease.
     • Total serum IgA: This test checks for immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency, which can affect the accuracy of other celiac tests.
   • Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can identify certain genetic markers associated with celiac disease. However, having these markers doesn’t necessarily mean you have the disease, as many people with these markers never develop symptoms.
4. Endoscopy and Biopsy: If blood tests suggest celiac disease, an endoscopy may be recommended. During this procedure, a small piece of tissue (biopsy) is taken from the small intestine to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy will show damage to the lining of the intestine if celiac disease is present.
5. Gluten Challenge: If you’ve already started a gluten-free diet before testing, your doctor may recommend a gluten challenge. This involves reintroducing gluten into your diet for a certain period before undergoing tests. This step is important because the tests are most accurate when gluten is consumed.
6. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity Diagnosis: If celiac disease and wheat allergy are ruled out, and you continue to experience symptoms when consuming gluten, you may be diagnosed with non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This diagnosis is usually made based on the exclusion of other conditions and symptomatic responses to a gluten-free diet.

Why do I need a Gluten Allergy Test:

A gluten allergy test, also known as celiac disease testing, can be important for several reasons:

1. Symptoms: If you’re experiencing symptoms such as chronic gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating), fatigue, weight loss, and even skin rashes, it’s possible that these could be related to gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
2. Confirmation: Getting tested can confirm whether or not you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This can help in managing your health more effectively and ruling out other potential causes for your symptoms.
3. Health Risks: Untreated celiac disease can lead to various health complications. These can include malnutrition, anemia, osteoporosis, neurological issues, and even an increased risk of certain cancers. Identifying celiac disease early through testing can help you take preventive measures to avoid these complications.
4. Dietary Changes: If you are diagnosed with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, you will need to adopt a gluten-free diet. Knowing this information will guide you in making necessary dietary changes to manage your condition and prevent further damage to your intestines.
5. Avoiding Unnecessary Dietary Restrictions: If you suspect you have gluten intolerance but have not been properly diagnosed, you might unnecessarily eliminate gluten from your diet. This can lead to challenges in obtaining proper nutrition and can also make it difficult to diagnose other potential health issues.
6. Family Screening: Celiac disease has a genetic component, so if you have a family history of the condition, it might be recommended to get tested to identify potential risks for yourself and other family members.
7. Clarifying Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: Some individuals experience symptoms when consuming gluten but do not have celiac disease. This is known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Testing-Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody: about the underlying cause of these symptoms.
8. Avoiding Cross-Contamination: If you do have celiac disease, even small amounts of gluten can cause harm. Knowing about your condition through testing can help you take precautions to avoid cross-contamination in your kitchen and when dining out.

What happens during a Gluten Allergy Test?

A gluten allergy test is typically conducted to determine whether an individual has an allergic reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten allergy is often referred to as non-celiac gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy. Several tests can help diagnose or rule out gluten-related disorders:

1. Blood Tests:
   • IgE Blood Test: This test measures the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to wheat proteins. Elevated levels of IgE antibodies indicate an allergic reaction to wheat proteins, which could include gluten.
   • IgG Blood Test: This test measures immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against specific foods, including wheat or gluten. However, IgG tests for food allergies are somewhat controversial and not widely accepted by the medical community for diagnosing gluten allergies.
2. Elimination Diet: An elimination diet involves removing gluten-containing foods from your diet for a certain period (usually a few weeks) to see if your symptoms improve. If your symptoms subside during the elimination phase and return when gluten is reintroduced, it may indicate a sensitivity or allergy to gluten.
3. Skin Prick Test: Skin prick tests are often used to diagnose IgE-mediated allergies. A small amount of a solution containing wheat or gluten extract is applied to the skin, and then a tiny needle is used to prick the skin’s surface. If you’re allergic to gluten, you might develop a small, raised bump at the site of the prick.
4. Patch Test: Patch tests are sometimes used to diagnose delayed hypersensitivity reactions to substances like wheat. In this test, small amounts of allergens are applied to patches, which are then placed on the skin for a set period. If a skin rash or irritation develops under the patch, it could suggest an allergic reaction.
5. Biopsy and Endoscopy: If celiac disease is suspected, an endoscopy might be performed. During an endoscopy, a thin tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth into the small intestine to visually inspect the lining. Biopsy samples may be taken from the small intestine to check for damage consistent with celiac disease.

What do the results mean?

A “gluten allergy” is not a scientifically accurate term. Gluten-related disorders include celiac disease, wheat allergy, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. To better understand the results of tests related to these disorders, it’s important to clarify which specific condition is being tested for. Here’s a brief overview of each:

1. Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, leading to inflammation and potential damage. Tests used to diagnose celiac disease include:
   • Serology Tests: These blood tests measure the levels of specific antibodies, such as anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-TTG) and anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA). Elevated levels of these antibodies can indicate the presence of celiac disease.
   • Genetic Testing: This involves testing for specific genetic markers, like HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, which are associated with an increased risk of developing celiac disease. However, having these genetic markers doesn’t necessarily mean someone has or will develop the disease.
   • Biopsy: A definitive diagnosis of celiac disease usually requires a biopsy of the small intestine to assess the extent of damage.
2. Wheat Allergy: A wheat allergy is an allergic response to proteins found in wheat, including but not limited to gluten. This type of allergy involves the immune system’s response to specific wheat proteins, which can lead to symptoms like hives, difficulty breathing, and digestive issues. Diagnosis of a wheat allergy often involves allergy testing, such as skin prick tests or blood tests measuring IgE antibodies against wheat proteins.
3. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: Non-celiac gluten sensitivity refers to individuals who experience symptoms similar to those of celiac disease when consuming gluten, but who do not test positive for celiac disease or a wheat allergy. Diagnosis is typically reached by a process of exclusion, where other conditions are ruled out and symptom improvement occurs on a gluten-free diet.

Is there anything else I need to know about a Gluten Allergy Test?

There is a similar test to a CMP called a basic metabolic panel (BMP). A BMP includes eight of the same tests as a CMP. It does not include the liver and protein tests. Your provider may choose a CMP or a BMP depending on your health history and needs.