Celiac and Gluten Intolerance Q&A

How Is Celiac Disease Different from a Gluten Intolerance? 


Although celiac disease is a gluten allergy, it is only one form of gluten allergy. Many react to gluten and may have elevated serum antigliadin antibodies, but they do not have damage to the small intestine. These people have a negative biopsy of the small intestine, as well as negative antiendomysial antibody and tissue transglutaminase tests. 



How Common Are Gluten Allergies? 


Although no studies have been done on the prevalence of gluten intolerance, the prevalence of gluten allergies is certainly higher than that of celiac disease alone. 

What symptoms may be caused by a gluten allergy?

• Abdominal Pain
• ADD/ADHD
• Anxiety
• Canker sores
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Gas
• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Infertility
• Iron deficient anemia
• Irritability
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Joint Pain
• Osteoporosis
• Poor Growth
• Poor immune function (frequent illness)
• Sinusitis


What Is the Treatment for Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance?


The treatment is identical for both celiac disease and gluten intolerance and involves removing all sources of gluten from the diet. This means that a person with a gluten allergy should not eat bread products, pastas, or processed food of any kind that contains wheat, rye, or barley in any form. Individuals require special dietary counseling. Fortunately, many alternative sources for gluten free breads, pastas and other foods now exist and are easier than ever to find.

What Are the Results of Avoiding Gluten? 


If you are allergic to gluten, then the result of removing gluten from your diet is generally a reversal of your health problems. Symptoms very often resolve, some faster than others, and you gain a new definition of optimal health. 
Even celiac disease is reversed, usually resulting in complete recovery of the damage to the small intestine. 



What if Someone with a Gluten Allergy Chooses Not to Avoid Gluten?


Of course, they continue to suffer the symptoms that their gluten allergy is causing. However, the long term consequences are much more severe. People with celiac disease are known to be at higher risk for many conditions, including cancer of the digestive tract, thyroid problems, anemia, osteoporosis, and many autoimmune conditions.

If you or someone you know suffers from any of the symptoms listed above, be sure to be screened for food allergies via blood testing.

Information on testing for food allergies at IBS Treatment Center.
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