In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people who cannot eat wheat or gluten. Nowadays, most menus offer gluten-free options, and gluten-free versions of foods like pasta and bread are sold in most supermarkets.
This is because, for some people, eating gluten or wheat-based products can lead to various adverse reactions. However, knowing the difference between the three conditions can be tricky, and sometimes even medical professionals can struggle to identify which you are suffering from.
This guide will look at the differences between the three conditions so you can understand their causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.
Understanding the Difference Between Gluten Intolerance, Wheat Allergies, and Celiac Disease
The difference between these conditions is how your body reacts to the gluten protein found in grains such as wheat and barley or one of the other proteins found in wheat.
Gluten Intolerance (Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity)
This is a collection of adverse reactions to gluten. The symptoms of gluten intolerance tend to be milder than wheat allergies or Coeliac Disease but can nevertheless be very uncomfortable for the sufferer.
Wheat Allergy
An allergic reaction to proteins found in wheat. Symptoms can be mild, severe, or, in the worst cases, life-threatening.
Celiac Disease
An autoimmune condition triggered by eating gluten. Symptoms are often very severe or life-threatening.
What Causes These Conditions?
Gluten Intolerance
The exact cause remains undefined. It may involve an immune response to the gluten protein, or it may be caused by an inability to properly digest a carbohydrate also found in wheat, barley, and other grains.
Wheat Allergies
With wheat allergies, your immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins in wheat as harmful to you. It then attacks them, much like it would with harmful bacteria or viruses.
Celiac Disease
This is where eating gluten triggers an autoimmune response, meaning your body actually attacks itself, causing long-term damage to the lining of your small intestine.
What Are The Symptoms?
The symptoms can overlap but have distinct differences:
Gluten Intolerance
- Bloating
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Wind
- Diarrhoea
Wheat Allergies
- Swelling
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Runny nose and itchy eyes
- Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction where your body goes into shock)
Celiac Disease
- Severe and prolonged food poisoning-like symptoms including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Severe diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Anaemia
How Are They Diagnosed?
It can be very tricky to diagnose these diseases. If you think you or someone you care for suffers from any of these symptoms, you should see your GP or book an online GP appointment. Correct diagnosis is vital to ensure the proper treatments and care are taken.
It is also essential not to cut wheat or gluten out of your diet without proper diagnosis, as this can make it much harder to identify the problem.
Gluten Intolerance
- Ruling out Celiac Disease and wheat allergy
- Observing symptom improvement on a gluten-free diet.
Wheat Allergies
- Skin prick tests
- Blood tests
- Food tests
Celiac Disease
- Blood tests
- A biopsy of the small intestine
What Are The Treatment Options?
Management strategies are primarily dietary:
Gluten Intolerance
- A gluten-free or low-gluten diet.
Wheat Allergies
- Avoidance of wheat-containing products.
Celiac Disease
- Lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
It can be challenging to understand and identify the differences between these disorders, and living with these conditions can be difficult. Wheat and gluten are found in foods we regularly eat, such as bread or pasta. Avoiding them can be an ongoing challenge. However, with the right approach, the conditions can be managed, and a normal quality of life can be maintained.
Consultation with a medical professional is crucial for correct, accurate diagnosis. Once you have a diagnosis, a healthcare professional can help you tailor a management plan that will allow you to manage your condition.
If you think you are suffering from any of the symptoms we have listed here, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Speak to your local GP or book an online consultation with us to see what we can do to help you.
