Gluten allergy is the term used for indicating the symptoms of wheat allergy. People who have wheat (and its products) allergy would develop allergic symptoms like rashes and gastrointestinal problems. The symptoms of gluten allergy are very similar to the symptoms of celiac disease. They would have discomfort after eating gluten containing foods and the symptoms will improve only when they switchover to gluten free diet. They are said to have gluten sensitivity and they cannot tolerate gluten rich foods. No special treatment is needed for gluten allergy and the symptoms can be managed by taking gluten free diet.
Symptoms :
As said earlier, the symptoms of celiac disease and gluten allergy are similar. Some of the common signs of gluten allergy are bloating sensation, flatulence, diarrhea, heartburn, fatigue and hives/rashes. Some people would develop constipation. Headaches and brain fog are associated with gluten sensitivity for severe cases. In rare cases the person may develop anxiety/depression or mood swings and tingling sensation in hands or legs.
The eyes become red and swollen and sometimes it secretes watery discharge. Like many other types of allergy, people may experience stuffy nose, swelling of face or lips, shortness of breath and nausea/vomiting. These are the true symptoms of wheat allergy and signs of wheat allergy may not involve gluten diet. For people (having gluten allergy) who eat wheat products can develop dermatitis hypertiformitis, with severe itching, burning sensation of skin with multiple bumps of pink or dark red color.
Complications :
In rare cases gluten allergy can cause potentially dangerous condition called gluten ataxia (a rare type of brain disorder). In such cases consumption of gluten products will affect cerebellum causing symptoms like deterioration of skills, slurred speech, problems in walking and lack of muscle coordination. In most of the cases, the damages caused are irreversible. Initial symptoms will look like loss of balance but it can cause permanent disability.