Gluten sensitivity (GS) is a diagnosis of exclusion made in individuals who claim benefit from a gluten-free diet but do not demonstrate the presence of gliadin (a class of proteins present in wheat and several other cereals within the grass genus Triticum) antibodies and whose intestinal biopsy is normal. They show no CD serology (blood test for CD) and negative skin tests for wheat allergy. In addition they show no concurrent auto-immune disorders. Clinical symptoms, however, can be similar to the patient with CD or WA. Predominant symptoms, however, are non-gastrointestinal such as chronic fatigue, emotional and behavior changes, leg cramps and numbness, joint pain and weight loss. Abdominal pain, rashes, headache, diarrhea, foggy head, depression were other common symptoms. Currently there are no specific lab markers specific for GS and the diagnosis is based on a diagnosis of excluding other disorders and the demonstration of improvement associated with a gluten free diet. Reintroduction of dietary gluten can be done to determine the reappearance of clinical symptoms.
Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California provides relief from allergies, asthma, sinus problems, chronic cough and other related conditions. Dr. William E. Berger, Dr. Warner W. Carr, Dr. Mark S. Sugar, Dr. Simi Kapoor and Dr. Christina Schwindt together with their staff specialize in allergy and immunology in Southern California.
If you or your child is suffering from a gluten sensitivity related disorder or any other kind of allergy please call us at (949) 364-2900 to schedule your appointment today. You can also use our online Request an Appointment form to schedule a future appointment.
