Allergy Gluten Enzyme Assay Blood

Allergy gluten enzyme assay blood test is used to detect the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against the gluten protein in the blood. This test helps to know the immune response of the body towards the gluten-containing foods.

What is a gluten allergy?

A gluten allergy is an allergic reaction to the gluten. This allergy can occur from food containing gluten. Common food containing gluten are wheat, bread, barley, wheat berries, pasta, cereals, cakes, cookies, malted milk or milkshakes etc. This is very common in children. If you have a family history of allergies or allergic diseases, such as asthma or wheat allergy, then you are at high risk of developing a gluten allergy.

Gluten is a major group of proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten consists of two proteins namely glutenin and gliadin. Among these two proteins, gliadin is responsible for the negative reactions in the body. Most of the people are free from a gluten allergy.

An individual who is allergic to gluten when gets exposed to it, their immune system produces antibodies against these proteins. The signs and symptoms of a gluten allergy are red, itchy bumps, foggy brain, pounding headaches, depression, anxiety, pins, and needles problem in the hands and feet etc. These symptoms can be completely avoided if you have a gluten-free or wheat-free lifestyle. Individuals who have a gluten allergy may not cause immediate symptoms but lead to damage of intestines.

Most of the people are free from a gluten allergy. Individuals with a health condition called celiac disease may have a gluten allergy. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, where the body causes an abnormal immune response to gluten. Individuals with this condition when they take gluten-containing foods can lead to damage of intestines. The signs and symptoms of celiac disease in children are constipation, stomach pain, severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, pale colored and foul stool. Adults with celiac disease may show signs and symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, joint pain, missed menstrual periods, infertility, miscarriages, tingling in the hands and feet, etc.

Some individuals who do not have celiac disease also may be allergic to gluten. This condition is called non-celiac gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance. Individuals with gluten sensitivity may also exhibit similar signs and symptoms as of celiac disease. The signs and symptoms of gluten sensitivity are red, itchy bumps, foggy brain, pounding headaches, stomach bloating, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, rashes, depression, anxiety, pins, and needles problem in the hands and feet etc. Individuals with gluten sensitivity may show the presence of antibodies against gliadin protein in the blood.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed when you are suspected to have a gluten allergy or gluten sensitivity. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you experience signs and symptoms of gluten allergy such as red, itchy bumps, foggy brain, pounding headaches, stomach bloating, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, rashes, depression, anxiety, pins, and needles problem in the hands and feet etc.

This test may also be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, if already diagnosed.

The normal reference range may vary depending on gender, age, health history, etc. If your test results show high levels of IgE antibodies than the given normal reference range, it may indicate that the person is most likely to have a gluten allergy.

If your test results are lower than the normal reference range, it may indicate that the person is unlikely to have a gluten allergy.

Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.