Gluten sensitivity can be measured through blood tests, elimination diets, and intestinal biopsies. A doctor can determine the most appropriate diagnostic steps, and a nutritionist can provide assistance in making dietary changes.
Techniques for measuring gluten sensitivity can include blood tests, elimination diets, and intestinal biopsies. A doctor can evaluate a patient with suspected gluten insensitivity to determine the most appropriate diagnostic steps to take. People with a family history of gluten sensitivity may request testing before they develop symptoms such as anemia, diarrhea, vomiting and skin rashes. An allergy specialist can supervise the test to ensure the most reliable results.
One of the simplest ways to measure gluten sensitivity is to follow an elimination diet where gluten is eliminated from the diet to see if symptoms improve. If the patient’s symptoms improve, gluten can be added back, gradually, to determine when the patient’s symptoms flare up again. People with severe sensitivity may experience an immediate reaction, while people with mild sensitivity may be able to eat small amounts of gluten-containing foods or can tolerate foods with gluten as a trace ingredient.
Another option is blood testing for gluten antibodies. If a doctor orders a blood test, the patient must eat gluten regularly for the antibodies to show up. If the patient has been on an elimination diet, the antibodies will naturally be lower, as the body is no longer activated to produce them. The test can look for different antibodies and their concentrations to gather information about gluten sensitivity.
When the antibody test shows clear evidence of gluten sensitivity, a doctor may order an intestinal biopsy. In the biopsy, a sample of tissue from the lining of the intestine is taken for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist will look for tissue changes associated with gluten sensitivity. This can provide important information about the severity of the sensitivity, along with how long the patient has been sensitive to gluten. Biopsies are a more invasive option and are usually left last in the process of evaluating and diagnosing patients with suspected food sensitivities.
A patient with gluten sensitivity will need to make dietary changes to address the problem. Some people choose to avoid gluten altogether, while others may consume it in moderation. A nutritionist can provide assistance and advice in identifying alternatives to foods known to contain gluten and will have advice on eating a balanced diet. Nutritional consultations can be helpful for people who need to address issues such as low weight caused by chronic intestinal inflammation, a potential problem in people with gluten sensitivity.
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