The gluten intolerance test is among the many tools used by doctors to detect gluten sensitivity, or celiac disease symptoms similar to them.
Both urine and stool tests can detect gluten peptide fragments in the body; however, stool testing is significantly more sensitive, reacting two to four days post consumption to the presence of gluten peptides in stool samples.
Symptoms
When living with gluten intolerance, symptoms may include bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, headaches and brain fog.
Other symptoms may include skin conditions like Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) and Eczema, both autoimmune reactions that manifest themselves with itchy red rashes and blisters on the body.
People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity frequently report bloating and abdominal discomfort; however, this symptom is also common with other medical conditions.
Non-celiac gluten intolerance increases your likelihood of experiencing arm and leg numbness – commonly referred to in medical circles as neuropathy.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential that you seek medical advice immediately. A healthcare provider can test for celiac disease, wheat allergy or gluten intolerance by running blood tests or conducting a biopsy on the small intestine.
Diagnosis
Gluten intolerance is an autoimmune reaction caused by reacting negatively to the protein found in wheat, barley and rye (gluten). Diagnosing this condition may be difficult due to similarities with other health problems.
Blood or saliva tests can help identify whether you have an intolerance to gluten or an allergy to wheat, respectively.
If you suspect gluten intolerance, your physician will prescribe a low-gluten diet and track any symptoms that arise. This process is called gluten challenge and as little as 3 grams per day may be given in an attempt to see if symptoms lessen.
There are tests that look for antibodies associated with celiac disease, including tTG-IgA and EMA. If either antibodies appear, this indicates an increased likelihood of celiac.
Treatment
Your doctor will perform several tests to accurately diagnose gluten intolerance. They might check for wheat allergy, IBS or celiac disease as potential sources of symptoms.
If the tests come back negative, your doctor will likely suggest trying a gluten-free diet for at least six weeks and keeping a diary to track your symptoms and any improvements they show.
After six weeks, your doctor may suggest a gluten challenge – this test entails feeding you food containing gluten along with a placebo product without your knowledge or consent.
Gluten intolerance symptoms differ depending on who is experiencing them, but may include digestive problems like abdominal discomfort, bloating and diarrhea as well as skin and joint conditions.
Prevention
If you suspect gluten intolerance, consult with your physician immediately. He or she can recommend tests that will diagnose and control symptoms as soon as they emerge, while helping prevent future flare-ups.
There are various tests available to you to help identify gluten intolerance, the most popular one being known as a gluten intolerance test (also referred to as wheat intolerance or non-celiac gluten sensitivity test).
Capsule endoscopy offers another solution, using a camera fitted into a vitamin-sized capsule to take pictures of your small intestine.
Blood testing can detect antibodies to gluten.
Your healthcare professional, such as a gastroenterologist or nutritionist, can conduct a gluten intolerance test using an elimination diet to detect whether you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease. If necessary, these professionals can then suggest an individualized treatment plan designed to ensure the best possible health results.
