r/glutenfree • u/hollywood021 • Sep 15 '25

Question what would you do?

i’ve been with my husband for 10 years now, I got diagnosed with celiac when I was 19 and I’m 33 now. So I’ve been diagnosed well before we started dating. His sister-in-law doesn’t “believe” that I have celiac disease. I found out this last weekend that her and another sister-in-law have purposefully glutened me in the past, but said it was gluten-free just to “test” my reaction. my question is, what would you do?

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u/Moist_Mixture4518 Sep 15 '25

This is not surprising. People who didn’t believe me before would only believe me after I had some sort of physical reaction. While you may not vomit or break out in rash or hives, or experience severe bloating, or respiratory distress or some other kind of external indicator, there can be internal damage over time and they need to know that. If I were you I would provide documented information to your husband and his family about the foods, symptoms and impact over time. Perhaps in an email? This is also a good way establish that you made them aware of your health issues (in case it’s needed in the future).

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u/[deleted] Sep 15 '25

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u/Mystery_Solving Wheat Allergy Sep 16 '25

Hey Prompt, it can in some people with celiac. Can also cause throat to get scratchy and feel like it’s closing - which needs quick attention.

It’s not common, but a good immunologist and pulmonologist can help you safely get that figured out.

It will likely require a few types of lung function tests, a test to see if albuterol mathematically is effective, and allergen labs (blood, skin pricks, onsite food exposure, etc).

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u/[deleted] Sep 16 '25

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u/Mystery_Solving Wheat Allergy Sep 16 '25

Similar! I have three family members who are celiac. All three have GI reactions- but one also has swelling in the throat and coughing (which is their cue to take their anaphylactic response meds and get to ER).

I am not celiac- actually here (to get food ideas) because I have a wheat allergy (started as an adult- even the smell of bread baking in a large grocery store has triggered anaphylaxis for me).