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Anyone know about Gluten test results?

3 replies

PoptartPoptart · 17/02/2021 10:01

DS had a blood test for celiac disease at the request of the doctor.
He has none of the classic abdominal symptoms, but he has been suffering from cracked itchy skin on his elbows and arms, which isn’t responding to creams, and apparently this can be a sign of gluten intolerance.
His results came back as slightly low and the doctor admitted she wasn’t sure what that means!
Obviously if the results were high it would indicate celiac, but the low result seemed to baffle her!
Obviously I will follow up with another doctor but I just wondered if anyone here could shed any light on what a low gluten test result could mean?

OP posts:
dontgobaconmyheart · 17/02/2021 12:23

Are you referring to the IgA test? It tests for immunoglobulin A rather than testing 'for gluten' as such, it is looking for an abnormal and overactive autoimmune response which might indicate coeliac disease, of which raised levels are a marker. If a person with coeliac disease is actively consuming gluten it can usually be indicated in a high immune response to it as an antagonist.

As you say if they're low it's very unlikely he has coeliac disease however it can be an indicator of other conditions indicative of a lower functioning of his immune system, which most likely given he has no serious symptoms could be something milder such as asthma or even allergies.

IgA ultimately exists for immune function in the mucous membranes of the body so often affects these areas when at low or raised levels. Hence why we see changes to it result in coeliac disease (the digestive is formed of mucous membrane) or things such as the lungs where a low reading will indicate something such as asthma or present as allergies, where we see irritation in the mucous membranes of the throat nose or eyes etc.

I would associate his symptoms with eczema or psoriasis. I don't know the age of your ds which would ultimately affect the interpretation of his blood works, as would other symptoms, his full blood count and medical history.

Not what you've asked but I would source a Urea based cream in a strong % and try that on the skin if you haven't. Eucerin 10% is good but there are loads on Amazon. Apply regularly and after contact with water and keep his arms covered if out in the cold and steer away from fragrances shower gels, washing gels etc. Or try OTC antihistamines and see if this affects the itch cycle and be trying to boost the immune systems support with a good vitamin regime and diet. Do check with your GP ultimately though, especially if he is a child rather than an adult 'DS' Smile

Hope you get somewhere OP!

PoptartPoptart · 17/02/2021 17:21

@dontgobaconmyheart thank you so much for such a comprehensive reply! That’s really helpful and I really appreciate the time you took to reply to me.
DS is 15. He does suffer with hay fever and allergies so, as you mentioned, this could be the cause of the low IgA results.
His full blood count came back as normal but his ferritin levels were slightly low (49) so I am going to up his iron consumption through diet and Spatone sachets.
The doctor advised using Dermol cream on his elbows but I will also look into the Eucerin 10% that you recommend.
Thank you again Smile

OP posts:
dontgobaconmyheart · 18/02/2021 13:49

No worries OP, these things can be a minefield. I have found dermol really helpful to wash with in the past but less so as a moisturiser. The higher % urea creams are so worth a go, I do help it offers some relief.

Spatone sounds like a good option. I'm sure you are already aware but taking it alongside vitamin c will enhance and aid the iron absorption. A good dose of vitamin c with zinc wouldnt go amiss at all for a slightly lacking immune system either Smile

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