Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Where Your Contribution Counts!
    eNewsletter
    Support Us!
  • Record is Archived

    This article is now archived and is closed to further replies.

    Scott Adams
    Scott Adams

    Allergy and Intolerance by Lydia S. Boeken M.D.

    Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.


    Introduction

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A12):
    Through his writings, we know that Hippocrates, the father of medicine, had already recognized the presence of allergic reactions in people as early as ancient times. However, the term allergy is a relatively new one, as compared to many other commonly used medical terms. In 1906, Viennese pediatrician Baron Clemens von Pirquet used the term for the first time to describe an altered response of his patients bodies. Von Pirquet believed that this altered reaction manifested itself in changes of the immune system, effected by external influences on the body, such as: food intake, the air breathed or direct skin contact. The term allergen (the substance responsible for the altered reaction) was born. At that point in time, however, von Pirquet had no means of scientifically proving that these immunological changes actually occurred in the body. It was not until the mid-1920s, that a second significant event occurred.

    Researchers found that, by injecting a minute quantity of purified allergen under the skin, certain individuals would develop a clear skin response; a welt, with or without itching and redness, could be provoked. This positive skin test for allergies would show itself most prominently in patients with hay fever, asthma, chronic rhinitis, hives and eczema. The prick test became a method of demonstrating the involvement of the immune system in allergic reactions. However, the precise biological reason for the reaction continued to remain a mystery.

    It was not until the Sixties, when an important discovery occurred which provided long-awaited scientific support for the classical allergy theory and removed any doubts about the relationship of the immune system with allergies. This breakthrough came about with the scientific discovery of immunoglobulin E (IgE) by a Japanese couple named Ishizaka.

    Classical Allergic Reaction

    The following are the chain of events which happen in allergic reactions:

    • An allergen must be present in the body. This allergen is the substance which causes us to have an abnormal immunological response. Allergens tend to be protein molecules. Interestingly enough, the immune system only detects particles of a certain size as potential troublemakers and protein molecules are just the right size. In a small number of cases, the body actually responds to molecules other than proteins. These molecules, which are generally much smaller, are called haptens. By combining with protein molecules, haptens form larger complexes which can then be detected by the immune system.
    • The allergen is detected by the B cells. These are specialized immune cells, capable of producing antibodies. Just like allergens, antibodies are protein molecules, which have the capacity to neutralize allergens.
    • Every B cell produces its own, specific antibody, depending on the type of intruder it needs to respond to. It is easy to understand why the body must have a ready pool of millions of antibodies, in order to combat these numerous offenders. There are five main categories of antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD and IgE) which the body releases under different circumstances (for instance to fight off various infections, etc.). In the case of allergies, the body produces the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE), first discovered by the Ishizakas.
    • Usually, antibodies will bind directly to the appropriate damaging substance and neutralize it. However, IgE deviates from this common path. It first attaches one of its legs to one of the bodys numerous mast cells. The other leg is used to hold on to the offending allergen. This action signals the mast cells to begin disintegrating, thereby releasing histamine.

    Histamine is a chemical substance responsible for a great number of complaints which may arise during allergic reactions. It causes muscle cramps and an inflammation-like process with redness and swelling of mucous membranes.

    Allergic reactions can occur under a variety of circumstances. For instance, inhaling certain substances, such as grass pollen, house dust, etc., may cause an allergic response. However, the consumption of certain foods may do the same. Allergies typically bring on complaints very rapidly upon contact with the allergen. Complaints may vary from a runny nose, sinusitis, earache or runny eyes to itching of the skin, eczema and shortness of breath.

    Intolerance

    Conventional medicine can easily diagnose and treat allergies for foods or inhalants. Here, the so-called RAST test plays a very important role, because this test can demonstrate the presence of IgE.

    However, demonstrating the presence of intolerance is more difficult. In this situation, similar to the case of classical allergies, the body responds abnormally and, in addition, the immune system does not produce IgE. It quite often takes much longer for complaints to come on, thereby masking the possible link between the offensive substance and the complaints themselves.

    These are only a few of the reasons why food intolerance is considered a fairly controversial concept in conventional medicine. Intolerance can be responsible for a wide variety of complaints which, at first glance, seem to lack a plausible explanation. Intolerance can manifest themselves as the following:

    • Gastrointestinal complaints: stomach ache, irritable bowel, Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis
    • Skin complaints: itching, eczema, hives, acne (in adults)
    • Joint and muscle complaints: ranging from atypical pains to rheumatoid arthritis
    • Headache and migraine
    • Chronic fatigue
    • Asthma, chronic rhinitis or sinusitis
    • Pre-menstrual syndrome
    • Hypoglycemia
    • Depression, anxiety
    • Sleeping disorders

    Diagnosing Intolerance

    It is impossible to accurately demonstrate intolerance through conventional testing methods.

    The Amsterdam Clinic currently uses the following test, which is very reliable.

    • Another useful test is the IgG(4) antibody test. Here, the presence of IgG(4) antibodies is determined. These antibodies are the slowly occurring variety, which do not appear in the blood until 24 to 48 hours after exposure to an offending food or substance. The reliability of this test varies between 80 and 90%.

    Treatment

    Diet

    In the treatment of inhalant allergies (such as asthma, hay fever) and food allergies and intolerance, avoidance (elimination) of allergens plays an extremely important role. In the case of food sensitivities, either the cytotoxic test or IgG(4) test can help determine reactions to specific foods. Based on the test results, an elimination/rotation diet can be specifically tailored.

    Foods causing strong reactions in these tests, should (temporarily) be excluded from the diet. More moderate reactions allow for rotation of certain food items in the diet. These may be eaten once every four days. Especially during the first week(s) of the diet, withdrawal symptoms, similar to complaints stemming from the cessation of coffee, tobacco or alcohol consumption, may occur. The body seems to crave offending food items. Generally, these withdrawal symptoms disappear after a couple of weeks. Concurrently, those complaints relating to food sensitivity also diminish.

    Using this dietary approach, the reaction to food allergens may decrease in the course of time. After a three month moratorium, reintroduction of forbidden food items can be attempted, one at a time. In this way, food items still causing reactions can be isolated more easily. Often, at least part of existing intolerance completely disappear after an elimination/rotation diet.

    With the treatment for inhalant allergies, elimination is also the first step. It is obvious that patients having an allergy for cats or dogs, should avoid any contact with these pets. The situation becomes more difficult when dealing with allergies to grass or tree pollen, since total elimination is basically impossible. The same goes for house dust mite allergy. The house dust mite lives in mattresses, pillows, carpeting, drapes, upholstery, etc. Through mite-killing pesticides, special mattress and pillow covers, non-carpeted floors, etc. reasonable results can be obtained.

    Medication

    Medicines for inhalant allergies, such as antihistamines (Triludan), corticosteroids (Prednisone, Pulmicort, Becotide), cromoglycates (Lomudal, Lomusol), and airway dilating medication (Ventolin, Berotec, Atrovent) do suppress symptoms, however, they do not cure the allergy! In the realm of conventional medicine, effective medications for food allergy and intolerance do not exist at all.

    Desensitisation

    Enzyme-potentiated desensitisation (EPD) and the provocation/neutralization method are very effective treatments for food allergy/intolerance and inhalant allergy problems. These methods tackle allergy problems at the root.

    • During EPD treatment, a small quantity of a food or inhalant allergen mixture is injected intradermally into the skin, in conjunction with the enzyme beta-glucuronidase. This combination causes the body to gradually adjust its exaggerated responses to food and inhalant allergens. In this way, the immune system is readjusted and reset. Initially, the injections have to be given once every two months. Gradually, however, the intervals between injections become longer and the injections can often be discontinued after a time. According to conservative estimates, at least 80% of those patients treated with EPD show considerable improvement in the course of time.
    • Provocation/neutralization can be used both diagnostically and therapeutically. Here, separate extracts of food or inhalants, suspected as possibly offending, are injected intradermally. This causes a welt to appear in the skin. After 10 minutes, the size and nature (firmness, color, etc.) of the welt are evaluated. A positive welt will generally bring on symptoms (provocation). Depending on the size and nature of the welt, as well as, the presence of symptoms, varying concentrations are injected, until a dose is found which does not cause any welt changes or symptoms. This is the neutralizing dose. Injections with the proper neutralizing dose will bring on immediate protection against the symptoms caused by the offending food and/or inhalant.

    Copyright © 1996 the Amsterdam Klikiek

    For further information please contact:

    Also in THE NETHERLANDS:
    Amsterdam Kliniek
    Reigersbos 100
    1107 ES Amsterdam Z.O.
    Telephone 31 (0)20 697 53 61
    Telefax 31 (0)20 697 53 67
    Lydia S. Boeken M.D. London/Amsterdam



    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    Guest Elizabeth Van Sickle

    Posted

    Excellent resource and very helpful.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest charles lynn

    Posted

    Extremely informative, thought provoking, and written so that it is easy to understand.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest

    Very clearly written; fully answered my question.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Jodi Zeller

    Posted

    I was just diagnosed with celiac disease and I found a lot of good information in this article.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Dale Jones

    Posted

    Very informative, my husband came up negative for celiac disease, though he displays all of the symptoms when not kept on a gluten free diet. His sister was diagnosed in her mid 50's with celiac. Your site has been so helpful and I have learned so much. thank you Scott.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Jean emery

    Posted

    I have not been diagnosed with celiac but instead have a history of diverticulitis for almost 6 years. last year I had a colon resection and they removed 4 inches of my colon. I felt much better till 3 months ago when I had a questionable diverticulitis attack and was put on antibiotics. 1 month ago I had another attack very similar left-lower quadrant pain and was again put on antibiotics. In fact my MD even suggested I should probably consider surgery again which made me very depressed. SO another health care provider suggested that maybe I had a gluten allergy as I did eat tons of wheat products. SO for 3 weeks I have been doing gluten free and am feeling so much better--very little pain and gas and it is a wonderful feeling. Have you ever heard of someone getting relief with symptoms like mine? Thanks JEAN

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest brenda

    I live in a small town in North Carolina and most people have never heard of celiac disease so I read everything I can on this disease because I know so little about it ....

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest K beams

    Posted

    My son has both celiac and diverticulitis-please stay on the diet. He also has trouble with popcorn-the hulls stick to his intestines and cause the diverticulitis-as long as stays on the gluten-free diet and off popcorn, he is well!!

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest T.Parker

    Posted

    Very interesting reading...Will find out myself this week if I have celiac disease.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest jean

    Very informative. Thank you. I am in the process of being tested for celiac disease. I had never heard of it until I decided to give an Asthma/Allergist doctor a try.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Rebecca Cody

    Posted

    I found this article explained allergies and intolerances very clearly. I am a nutritional therapist and I found this better than what I read for my classes.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Mike Munday

    Posted

    A very good interesting and informative article! My question is this; my son has been diagnosed as a 'Celiac' and I did have classic symptoms of a 'Celiac' but I am surprisingly not one! I was small for my age when I was young as is my son, practically twinny!. Is it possible to grow out of this condition, keeping in mind that I have read up about latent celiac disease, or is there not enough data on a control group which were as children and are not any more? I do realize the importance of early diagnosis on prevention of other complications but I do wonder that maybe the body can work wonders by itself!!! I am just a thinking human dad that wants to have all possible data on this condition and not just what is in 'favor'. If any one has any positive info please let me know. Note I am totally supportive of my son but I really do want to here all sides of the cases! Thanks!

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Guest
    This is now closed for further comments

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Help Celiac.com:
    Donate
  • About Me

    Scott Adams

    Scott Adams was diagnosed with celiac disease in 1994, and, due to the nearly total lack of information available at that time, was forced to become an expert on the disease in order to recover. In 1995 he launched the site that later became Celiac.com to help as many people as possible with celiac disease get diagnosed so they can begin to live happy, healthy gluten-free lives.  He is co-author of the book Cereal Killers, and founder and publisher of the (formerly paper) newsletter Journal of Gluten Sensitivity. In 1998 he founded The Gluten-Free Mall which he sold in 2014. Celiac.com does not sell any products, and is 100% advertiser supported.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Related Articles

    Scott Adams
    The following is a March 11, 1998 post by Kemp Randolph Open Original Shared Link.
    According to Dr. Hugh Sampson, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, at an AMA sponsored press briefing on Nutrition, in a list of Facts vs. Fictions, Fiction: Skin tests or blood tests can be used to diagnose food sensitivities. Fact: ...A positive test does not mean a person will react to a food...furthermore these tests do not tell whether a person has a non-IgE mediated sensitivity to food.
    He describes these tests only as useful guides and points out that diet testing is the only reliable way to identify a food allergy, preferably where the person does not know whether they have eaten the suspect food.
    Q: If I am sensitive to milk and eggs...could they damage my villi in the same way as gluten...


    Paul Smith
    Celiac.com 06/29/2009 - Hypersensitive reactions to food are becoming increasingly problematic in society. Allergy experts report that the prevalence of food allergies appears to be rising and while there are no exact figures for this in Australia, some studies have shown marked increases overseas.
    For example, a study from the Isle of Wight in the U.K. has shown a tripling in the rate of peanut allergies over the past 10 years. However, the reason for this is not yet clear.  Auckland allergy expert Dr. Vincent Crump has three theories regarding the increase in peanut allergies.
    More people are eating peanuts and, up until recently, many eczema creams contained peanut oil, possibly exposing an allergy prone person to the food.
    There’s also the 'hygiene theory' of disease, w...


    Dr. Vikki Petersen D.C, C.C.N
    This article originally appeared in the Autumn 2010 edition of Celiac.com's Open Original Shared Link.
    Celiac.com 12/06/2010 - The hazards to health created by celiac disease and gluten sensitivity are well understood.  From nutritional deficiencies to osteoporosis, from depression to autoimmune disease, and from psoriasis to thyroid disease, there are few areas of the human body that gluten doesn’t touch in a negative way. 
    There is so much emphasis on our inadequate abilities to diagnose gluten intolerance, that when we do finally make the diagnosis I believe we are guilty of another problem—lack of adequate education to those affected patients.
    Just last month a research study was released by the American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2010 Jun; 105(6):1412-20.  The ...


    Jefferson Adams
    Celiac.com 05/08/2015 - While it's true that all people with celiac disease are intolerant to gluten, not all people who are intolerant to gluten have celiac disease.
    Several studies have confirmed the existence of non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), a hypersensitivity or form of gluten intolerance that causes numerous symptoms similar to those of celiac disease.
    There are several key differences between celiac disease and NCGS. NCGS is distinguished from celiac disease by the following factors:
    No Hereditary Link
    Unlike celiac disease, NCGS is not hereditary, and shows no genetic component.
      No Connection with Celiac-related Disorders
    Unlike celiac disease, NCGS is so far not associated with malabsorption, nutritional deficiencies, or a higher risk of autoimmune ...


  • Recent Activity

    1. - Tlbaked13 replied to djmu's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      8

      Peripheral Neuropathy

    2. - trents replied to JustGemi's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      8

      SCARED: What Do These Test Results Mean?

    3. - Scott Adams replied to Kaylee G's topic in Gluten-Free Recipes & Cooking Tips
      1

      Learning to cook for myself

    4. - JustGemi replied to JustGemi's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      8

      SCARED: What Do These Test Results Mean?


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      120,480
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    EJenkins
    Newest Member
    EJenkins
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.2k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Popular Now

    • JustGemi
    • Linedancegal
    • Hannah24
      9
    • jessiemariecar
    • Rhonda H
  • Popular Articles

    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
  • Upcoming Events

×
×
  • Create New...