What Is Celiac Disease?

Unfortunately, celiac disease can be tough to diagnose in many people because its symptoms are often confused with those of other conditions. But it’s important to know that celiac is distinct from those conditions, including gluten intolerance and a wheat allergy, because it’s an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the small intestine, leading to malabsorption.

Could Your Symptoms Be the Result of a Wheat Allergy?

If you’ve been tested for celiac and the results were negative, there’s a chance you simply have an allergy to wheat.

• Headaches
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Hives or a skin rash
• Nausea and gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea or vomiting
• Asthma
• Anaphylaxis (though this is uncommon)

These symptoms may appear after you eat foods with wheat, including bread, cereal, or granola. Because these foods also contain gluten, a wheat allergy is commonly called a “gluten allergy,” though there’s actually no such thing.

Could You Have Intolerance to Gluten (Nonceliac Gluten-Sensitivity)?

Gluten intolerance, also called nonceliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), is a possibility if you’ve tested negative for both celiac disease and a wheat allergy. But unfortunately, there isn’t a good test to diagnose this condition.

If your doctor suspects you have gluten intolerance, he or she may suggest a blood test and then a biopsy. If the biopsy is normal, your physician may suspect NCGS.

The main treatment for NCGS is a gluten-free diet, but as with celiac, be sure to work with your healthcare team to make sure you’re properly nourishing your body.