Which symptoms indicate gluten intolerance?
February 14, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Ullmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Christine Hentschel and I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing increasing health problems lately that are significantly affecting me. I have heard about gluten intolerance and I wonder if my symptoms could be related to it.
For the past few weeks, I have been suffering from gastrointestinal issues such as stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, and sometimes constipation. Additionally, I often feel tired and fatigued even though I sleep enough. My skin is dry, and I have been experiencing more frequent headaches. I also feel like my ability to concentrate has decreased, and I often feel unfocused and forgetful.
I have tried to change my diet and avoid gluten-containing products, which has led to a slight improvement in my symptoms. However, I am unsure if gluten intolerance is actually the cause of my symptoms. Therefore, I would like to know what specific symptoms indicate gluten intolerance and if my symptoms could be related to it.
I am concerned about my health and would like to determine if I truly have gluten intolerance in order to take appropriate measures. Therefore, I would kindly ask for your evaluation of my symptoms and to provide possible solutions on how to alleviate them.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Christine Hentschel
Dear Mrs. Hentschel,
Thank you for your detailed description of your health issues. The symptoms you have described such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, dry skin, headaches, concentration problems, and forgetfulness could indeed indicate a gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease.
In a gluten intolerance, the body reacts overly sensitively to the gluten protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. The symptoms can be very diverse and vary from person to person. Typical complaints include gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. But symptoms like fatigue, skin issues, headaches, and concentration difficulties can also occur.
The fact that a switch to a gluten-free diet has improved your symptoms suggests that a gluten intolerance may be possible in your case. To make a definitive diagnosis, I recommend consulting a doctor specializing in gastrointestinal disorders. They can diagnose celiac disease through blood tests, a small intestine biopsy, or a lactose intolerance breath test.
If the diagnosis of gluten intolerance is confirmed, the only treatment option is a lifelong gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all gluten-containing foods such as bread, pasta, cake, pastries, beer, sauces, and processed foods. It is important to thoroughly educate yourself on the topic of gluten-free nutrition to ensure you receive all necessary nutrients.
It is also advisable to seek support from a dietitian to optimize your diet and prevent any deficiencies. Additionally, you may consider taking dietary supplements, especially for vitamins and minerals, if needed.
I hope my assessment helps you and that you will soon have clarity about your health issues. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me again if you have any further questions or uncertainties.
Sincerely,
Ralf Ullmann
