The clinical manifestations of an immune reaction to gluten can occur at any age. This reaction sometimes, but perhaps not even half the time, causes abdominal symptoms.
Infants (less than 2 years of age) with a reaction to gluten can experience diarrhea, abdominal distention, failure to thrive (low weight, lack of fat, hair thinning), anorexia, vomiting, psychomotor impairment, or muscle wasting.
Children with a reaction to gluten can experience diarrhea, constipation, anemia, loss of appetite, short stature, ADD, autism, depression, behavioral problems, and skin rashes.
Adults with a reaction to gluten can experience ADD, autism, mood swings, brain fog, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, schizophrenia, anorexia, migraines, ataxia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, hashimoto’s thyroiditis, abdominal pain, malabsorption of nutrients, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, elevated liver enzymes, sore tongue and mouth, dyspepsis, infertility, weakness, weight loss or weight gain, anemia, bone pain, and more.
The standard test for gluten sensitivity only tests for one antigen and is only positive if a person has total villous atrophy. If you have a negative result on this test, there is a 7 out of 10 chance (70%!) that it is a false negative!
The test I prefer is by Cyrex Labs. This tests for the 12 components of gluten that most provoke an immune response. I consider this test a definitive test. Normally this test costs the patient $650. I have arranged to be able to do this test in my office during the month of August for only $500. Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts can be used to pay for the test. If you would like to take advantage of this special offer, just contact my office at 512-537-8859 or by emailing me at drliesa@drliesa.com .
Go to www.DrLiesa.com/gluten-free-boot-camp/ to sign up for free to take my free self-scoring gluten assessment – Is Gluten Making Me Sick?
I am happy to answer questions related to gluten reactivity or sensitivity.
Liesa Harte, M.D.
Elite Care by Dr. Liesa Harte, M.D.
1524 South IH-35, Suite 140
Austin, TX 78704
512-537-8859
