Wheat allergy, celiac disease, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity can be confused with each other but are actually three separate conditions:
- A wheat allergy involves the reaction of a certain type of antibody (immunoglobulin E) to wheat, resulting in the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances. This can cause symptoms such as skin eruptions, runny nose, itching, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis and even death.
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, not an allergy. Autoimmune disease reactions are enduring and highly destructive, whereas allergic reactions can appear and disappear within minutes to hours after contact with an allergen.
- When wheat allergy and celiac disease have been ruled out (see Diagnosis of Celiac Disease), having a beneficial response to dietary elimination of gluten-containing foods is considered non-celiac gluten sensitivity. In some people, it may actually be poorly-absorbed carbohydrates called FODMAPs that contribute to sensitivity reactions.
Gastrointestinal:
- Pain, bloating, gas
- Constipation and/or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting
Brain and nervous system:
- Recurring headaches
- Decreased sensation in peripheral nerves
- Anxiety, panic attacks
- Depression
Other systems of the body:
- Fatigue
- Itchy skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Unexplained infertility and miscarriage
- Iron-deficiency anemia and other nutritional deficiencies
- Arthritis