When a person continuously experiences uncomfortable feelings or pain in their gut and the intestinal tract after consuming foods rich in gluten, there are three possible reasons, including gluten intolerance, a wheat allergy, or celiac disease.
Gluten is generally a protein that can be detected in different types of wheat, rye, and grains. It can be found in different foods and drinks, but most commonly, it is in cereal, pasta, beer, bread, etc. Some cosmetic products, medications, and supplements also contain gluten.
The symptoms of the three mentioned conditions are more or less similar, but the reaction your body has to gluten-rich foods and the testing process to determine which of these conditions you suffer from are quite different. In today’s article, we will share more about the difference between gluten intolerance and celiac disease, as well as wheat allergies, so that you can at least determine whether it is urgent to visit your doctor.
To be able to get a diagnosis of your condition and appropriate treatment, it is essential to ensure high-quality food allergy testing. This means you have to pick a clinic with premium technology equipment, experienced staff, and confirmed results accuracy. Feel free to check us out at Allergy and Immunology Center, a popular choice for many patients struggling with the abovementioned conditions.
Celiac Disease VS Gluten Intolerance VS Wheat Allergy
As mentioned, although the manifestations of the conditions related to gluten consumption are quite similar, it is imperative to talk about the main differences and the various management options available today.
Gluten intolerance, also referred to as non-celiac sensitivity to gluten, is a condition that causes the body to respond negatively to the intake of gluten-rich foods. The difference between gluten intolerance and celiac disease is mirrored in the consequences the body suffers after the consumption and the permanence of those consequences. Gluten allergy is relatively common and rarely has a permanent negative effect on the body, unlike celiac disease. Also, some people are born with this condition, while others develop the condition over time.
The most common symptoms of gluten allergy or gluten intolerance are connected to the intestinal system. They can include, but are not limited to:
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Gas
- Constipation
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Skin rashes
If you are wondering how to diagnose gluten intolerance, here are a few steps that doctors usually take:
- Patients continue consuming gluten for six weeks, during which the doctors take blood samples and run skin tests to rule out other potential diagnoses.
- If the diagnosis does not include celiac disease or a wheat allergy, then the patient excludes gluten intake for the next six weeks while keeping notes on the symptoms.
- If the symptoms improve or disappear during the gluten-free period, the patient starts taking gluten again. If the symptoms reappear, the person might suffer from gluten intolerance or gluten allergy.
If any of the abovementioned symptoms of gluten allergy start appearing, you must contact your doctor and schedule an appointment. The longer the symptoms last, the bigger the chance of putting your body through destructive processes, which could permanently damage your overall health.
When speaking about celiac disease, the official definition is that it is an autoimmune condition that causes individuals to have an adverse reaction to gluten intake. If the person takes gluten for a very long time, this protein will trigger responses from the immune system, and the lining of the small intestine will start to deteriorate. This subsequently causes malabsorption, and the body stops getting the necessary nutrients from the food that are needed for its normal functioning.
Different symptoms can be seen as celiac disease symptoms, and they include:
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Gas
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Skin itch
- Fatigue
- Acid reflux
- Heartburn
- Seizures
- Ulcers around and in the mouth
- Headaches
- Bone pain
- Joint pain
Celiac disease is considered to be a very severe condition, and if your diagnosis is confirmed and you are experiencing celiac disease symptoms, you need to start managing this condition as soon as possible to preserve your health and good quality of life. The first step is to cut out gluten consumption entirely. The other steps are elaborated on in the continuation of this article.
Wheat allergy is the third condition that can be diagnosed when a person experiences an unpleasant sensation after consuming gluten. It can be compared to celiac disease regarding symptoms and the immune system response, but the difference is that the body’s response is temporary. It does not have such a negative effect on overall health.
This type of allergy does not cause permanent damage to the intestines unless it is an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis which can have lethal consequences for the patient. The symptoms of a wheat allergy include:
- Cramps in the stomach
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Congestion of the nasal area
- Rash on the skin
- Heavy breathing
- Anaphylaxis
Whatever the case, it is recommended that patients schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as they notice some of these symptoms to get proper treatment and support.
Management and Treatment of Celiac Disease VS Gluten Intolerance
To be able to treat any of the three mentioned conditions, it is vital to get a proper diagnosis. Every condition has its own specific diagnostic path, and below is a general overview of tests and examinations doctors usually perform prior to the final diagnosis:
- Celiac disease: a small-scale biopsy is done on the small intestine. With this sample, the doctors can determine whether antibodies specific to celiac disease are present in the patient’s blood.
- Gluten intolerance: this condition is diagnosed using the system of elimination of the other two conditions using different tests.
- Wheat allergy: to identify whether the patient is suffering from this type of allergy, blood samples are taken, as well as skin tests and oral food challenge tests.
Different approaches are fit for different people when it comes to managing and treating the conditions that appear due to the negative effect of gluten on the body. Eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet is generally recommended, as well as regularly testing for cholesterol levels, anemia, and nutrition deficiencies, together with avoiding gluten in as many foods and drinks as possible.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for any of the three conditions, and the most efficient treatment recommended is complete abstinence from any products that contain gluten, especially in the case of celiac disease. This means that you should read all the labels carefully, always ask for gluten-free options and pay close attention when eating out so that no gluten-rich foods are part of your meal.
Call Us!
As tasty as pasta, pizza, bread, beer, and other foods are, gluten in them can seriously harm your body and overall health. To avoid this, and have a pain-free life, schedule an appointment with our experienced doctors and let them support you in your gluten-free path. We are here for you, so call us!