Difference Between Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerance and Food Allergy

Most people, especially in relation to gluten-related disorders, tend to combine conditions, but the difference between celiac vs gluten intolerance is critical. 

Even though they are both negative effects of gluten consumption, the triggers, medium- to long-term consequences, and therapies are astounding. Throw in wheat allergy, and the whole scenario becomes complicated. 

Below, this article goes into depth on what makes celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (gluten intolerance), and wheat allergy so different. Making you comprehend the symptoms, medical tests, diet and when to consult medical personnel.

Celiac Disease: What Is It? 

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that chronically occurs as a response to gluten, a type of protein which is present in wheat, barley, and rye. In individuals who have villous atrophy and loss of the ability to absorb nutrients when eating gluten, an attack on the small intestine lining by the immune system occurs due to false interpretation.

Symptoms

There are many symptoms of celiac disease, however, some most common are: 

• Typical gastrointestinal symptoms: Diarrhoea that persists and abdominal pain when there is bloating, constipation and vomiting
  
• Extraintestinal: Fatigue/pleuritis, headache, anaemia, bone / joint pain, skin rashes (dermatitis herpetiformis), neuropathy.
  

Diagnosis

Demands the prerequisite of gluten withdrawal. Tests include:

1. Blood examinations: tTG-IgA
2. Genetic testing of HLA-DQ2/DQ8 alleles
3. Endoscopic biopsy: proves damage to the intestines
   

Treatment

The key to this is strict adherence to the Celiac disease diet, avoidance of wheat, rye, barley and awareness of cross-contamination. Nutrient and regular follow-up blood tests are important.

What Is Gluten Intolerance (Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity)?

Alternatively called non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), gluten intolerance is symptomatically similar to celiac disease, rather than the autoimmune destruction characteristic of it. Hit the link to know more about gluten intolerance and its symptoms. However, scroll down to get an idea what its symptoms are actually and how to deal with it: 

Symptoms

• Gastrointestinal: gas, bloating, pain in the abdomen, diarrhoea, and constipation
  
• Other symptoms: migraines, tiredness, head fog, joint/muscle aches, mood swings
  

In contrast to celiac, no villous atrophy and no celiac-specific antibodies is present

Diagnosis

It is a diagnosis by exclusion:

• Negative blood/genetic tests for celiac disease
• Improvement on gluten-free diet with a controlled gluten challenge
  
• Negative Wheat allergy tests
  

Management

In comparison to celiac, gluten intolerance is more flexible with what to eat. Tolerances vary with quantities, based on symptoms. It is advisable that a tailored, specialist-directed, gluten-free food guide be used. Read on the facts of gluten intolerance so that you can better take care of your health and know the difference between myth and fact!

What Is Allergy to Wheat?

Wheat allergy is a food allergy, a reaction of the immune system, mediated by a class of antibodies, to proteins in wheat. It also runs in families. 

Symptoms

Some typical wheat allergy symptoms are:

• Skin: hives (urticaria), eczema, rashes
  
• Respiratory: nasal congestions, wheezing, asthma
  
• Digestive: cramping in the stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea
  
• Severe: anaphylaxis-problems with breathing, drop in blood pressure
  

Diagnosis

• Skin prick, or specific IgE blood tests
  
• Supervised oral food challenge 
  

Management

The most important step is to avoid wheat protein; other grains containing a similar gluten kind, such as barley or rye, can be tolerated. Therapy may be in the form of antihistamines, epinephrine in case of anaphylaxis and referral to an allergist. Most of the children outgrow it at age 12-15. 

Importance of Proper Diagnosis

Forgoing medical testing and becoming gluten-free may present ambiguous findings and cost one valuable time and money in diagnosis failures. For example:

• Celiac blood tests almost demand active gluten consumption in order to correctly identify them
  
• The wheat allergy might require an allergist and a monitored test
  

One can rule out absolute gluten intolerance, unwarranted severe deletion, and dietary deficiencies.

Suggestions About How to Live a Healthy Life

Moving forward, these are some proven and tested suggestions if you have celiac vs gluten intolerance or are exposed to wheat allergy. 

In Case of Celiac Diagnosed

• Very strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet.
  
• Get to know about the hidden gluten and cross-contamination.
  
• Add vitamins (iron, B12, D) and observe the state of bones.
  
• Participate in the support groups of celiac patients and work with the dietitians.
  

In Case You Are Suspected of Gluten Intolerance

• Do tests in order to eliminate celiac or allergy.
  
• Take a gluten-reduced diet under professional assistance.
  
• Manage the level of gluten consumed by tolerance and symptoms.
  

How To Comply with an Allergy to Wheat?

• Do not eat any foods that contain wheat.
  
• Have epinephrine and know how to use it in case you are anaphylactic.
  
• Refer to an allergist and re-test.
  
• Read closely wheat-free labels carefully, barley and rye may be fine.
  

In order to get a gluten-free diet, visit the Reana Foods section. You will get premium quality food items and can enjoy the taste without compromising on your health. 

When to See a Doctor?

In case your condition gets worse or you don’t see any improvement after taking measures, then in the following conditions, it is best to visit your doctor: 

• Chronic GI symptoms, fatigue and unaccounted anaemia
  
• Family history of celiac, type 1 diabetes, and thyroid disease that is autoimmune
  
• You see worsening wheat allergy symptoms like skin rash, hives
  

Wrap Up

So, this is a quick recap: 

• Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that damages the intestines and requires permanent gluten removal.
  
• Gluten intolerance results in troublesome misery with no immune damage- controlled through relaxed gluten subsiding.
  
• Wheat allergy is an allergic reaction; however, one must avoid wheat altogether.
  

Hence, whether it is celiac vs gluten intolerance or wheat allergy, with proper diagnosis, treatment, and a diet plan, it can be controlled.  A gastroenterologist, allergist, or dietitian in the event you have any suspicions regarding any of these disorders. 

Being aware of the difference aids you in making decisions and leads to your healthiest and gluten-unaware life.