Gluten Allergy is Not Real, Says Doctor: Pet, Vaccine and Other Allergies Debunked
'Gluten Has Been Blamed for All That Ails Humanity,' Says Allergy Specialist
The gluten allergy is not real, an allergy specialist from Columbus, Ohio has asserted. Dr. David Stukus said in a presentation that many of his patients often misdiagnose themselves as having a gluten allergy when really it's another condition completely.
Gluten allergies not being real were outlined more explicitly in a presentation Dr. Stukus gave to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Stukus works at the Nationwide Children's Hospital and as an assistant professor of pediatrics at Ohio State University.
"There's this claim about 'gluten allergy' which really doesn't exist," Stukus told Today.com. "It's not really a recognized allergy. Wheat is a recognized allergy- but a lot of people will misinterpret that as gluten."
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"Gluten has been blamed for all that ails humanity," he added.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction- diarrhea, bloating, weight loss and tiredness- actually come from wheat a wheat allergy, celiac disease, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition wherein the body mistakes substances inside gluten as dangerous and attacks them and healthy tissue in the bowel.
Other myths Stukus debunked had to do with hypoallergenic pets for those allergic to pet dander. The allergist said that doesn't really exist either, because "every single pet will secrete allergens." It's the dog or cat's saliva that contains the allergens, not fur, so long or short hair doesn't really matter.
"People with pet allergies, they may be fine around certain breeds and not others," Stukus explained. He tells his patients to find different breeds, "literally rub your face on the animal," and see how their bodies react.
One important point he made was for those with egg allergies who claim they shouldn't get flu shots- a common misconception, according to the specialist. Although egg embryos are used to make vaccines for influenza, rabies and yellow fever, they're fine for those with egg allergies. Unless a person has severe anaphylaxis when eating any eggs, they should be fine.
Stukus said that a lot of the misinformation has come from increased self-diagnosis based on Internet forums.
"Use the Internet for guidance, but don't rely on it as your sole source of health information. It's a great place to formulate questions that you can take to physicians," the doctor said.
