The diagnosis

The diagnosis of gluten sensitivity is usually an exclusion diagnosis. This means that other diseases must first be excluded before a diagnosis of gluten sensitivity can be made. The most important differential diagnosis is gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease.

For this, blood can be taken and then tested for specific antibodies. An endoscopy (colonoscopy) can also be performed, in which the intestinal mucosa is examined more closely. The most important difference between gluten intolerance and gluten sensitivity is the destruction of the intestinal mucosa.

In the case of sensitivity, the intestinal mucosa appears inconspicuous in the endoscopy, since in this case no chronic inflammatory reaction is triggered.Afterwards a wheat allergy should be excluded. If the diagnosis did not reveal any abnormal findings, a gluten-free diet should be followed. If the symptoms are relieved, a diagnosis of gluten sensitivity can be made.

The treatment

Gluten sensitivity can be successfully treated by a gluten-free diet. Patients affected must not consume gluten-containing foods such as wheat, rye, barley, green spelt, spelt, kamut, emmer and einkorn. It must also be taken into account that gluten-containing additives may be present in ready-to-eat meals.

For example, some instant soups and sauces contain gluten. Gluten can also be found in sausages or snacks. For this reason, it is particularly important to check the ingredients and make sure that they do not contain gluten.

In addition to solid food, beverages such as beer and malt beer must not be consumed. Foods that may be eaten are: Rice, corn, potatoes, soybeans, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, amaranth and manioc. Also unprocessed foods such as fruit and vegetables are unthinkable. Since the diagnosis of gluten sensitivity usually means a change and most patients are at a loss, it is recommended to seek nutritional advice. With the help of the nutritional consultation, a nutritional plan can be drawn up to ensure a healthy and balanced diet.

Duration and prognosis

The prognosis is very good if you avoid foods containing gluten. Most patients are thus free of complaints. Since gluten sensitivity is a lifelong condition, the diet must be followed for a lifetime. Avoiding foods containing gluten is currently the only therapeutic option, so there is no way around it.