Celiac disease and gluten intolerance: what's the difference?

Celiac disease and gluten intolerance: what's the difference?

Celiac disease and gluten intolerance: what's the difference?

introduction

Celiac disease and gluten intolerance are two terms that are often used interchangeably but actually describe different medical conditions. Both celiac disease and non-cyclic gluten sensitivity can result in similar symptoms, but their causes and treatment approaches differ. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the difference between celiac disease and gluten intolerance.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease, also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy or sprue-like enteropathy, is an autoimmune disease of the small intestine. People with celiac disease are sensitive to a protein called gluten found in wheat, barley and rye. This reaction leads to inflammation of the small intestinal lining and damage to the intestinal lining villi.

Causes of Celiac Disease

The exact cause of celiac disease is not yet fully understood, but it appears to be a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Certain genes such as HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 have been associated with an increased risk of developing celiac disease.

Ingestion of gluten-containing foods in susceptible individuals can trigger an autoimmune response in the gut and lead to inflammation. Damage to the intestinal mucosa can impair nutrient absorption.

Symptoms of celiac disease

Symptoms of celiac disease can vary widely and change throughout life. Some common symptoms are:

1. Gastrointestinal complaints such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation.
2. Weight loss or difficulty gaining weight in children.
3. Tiredness and exhaustion.
4. Anemia due to iron deficiency.
5. Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis) in some patients.

It is important to note that some people with celiac disease may have no obvious symptoms at all and their condition is only discovered through routine blood tests or intestinal biopsies.

Diagnosis of celiac disease

Diagnosing celiac disease involves several steps, including:

1. Taking anamnesis: The doctor asks about the patient's medical history and asks about the symptoms that are occurring.
2. Blood tests: Blood samples are taken to look for antibodies to gluten components in the body (such as anti-TTG antibodies).
3. Small intestine biopsy: An endoscopic examination of the small intestine allows the doctor to take tissue samples to check for inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining.
4. Gluten elimination diet: In some cases, a reaction to eating foods containing gluten can be observed to confirm the suspected diagnosis.

Treatment of celiac disease

The only effective treatment for celiac disease is to follow a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Avoiding any foods containing gluten is essential to control symptoms and prevent subsequent damage to the small intestinal lining.

What is gluten intolerance?

Gluten intolerance or non-cyclic gluten sensitivity (NCGS) describes hypersensitivity to gluten without the presence of an autoimmune reaction or an allergic reaction. People with NCGS may experience symptoms when consuming foods containing gluten, but these are less severe than those with celiac disease.

Causes of gluten intolerance

The exact causes of NCGS are still unknown and are the subject of current research. It is believed that several factors such as genetic and environmental factors could be involved in the development of this sensitivity to the protein contained in wheat.

It has also been suggested that other components of the grain such as amylase-trypsin inhibitors or FODMAPs (fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols) may be responsible for some of the symptoms in NCGS.

Symptoms of gluten intolerance

Symptoms of gluten intolerance can vary from person to person, ranging from mild to severe. Some possible symptoms are:

1. Gastrointestinal complaints such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation.
2. Tiredness and exhaustion.
3. Headache or migraine.
4. Joint and muscle pain.
5. Skin problems such as eczema or rashes.

It is important to note that symptoms of gluten intolerance are often non-specific and may be associated with other medical conditions.

Diagnosis of gluten intolerance

Diagnosing gluten sensitivity can be challenging because there are no specific diagnostic tests. Celiac disease, wheat allergy and other gastrointestinal diseases are usually ruled out before a suspected diagnosis of gluten sensitivity is made.

A provocative challenge procedure can be performed in which people are required to consume foods containing gluten for several weeks and then their response to the gluten is observed.

Treatment of gluten intolerance

The only way to control gluten intolerance symptoms is to follow a gluten-free diet. This may include avoiding wheat products such as bread, pasta, pastries and other foods containing gluten. In some cases, special enzyme preparations can also help.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Is celiac disease curable?

No, celiac disease cannot be cured. However, it can be controlled by consistently following a strict gluten-free diet.

2. What happens in the body when you have celiac disease?

In celiac disease, gluten consumption triggers an autoimmune reaction that leads to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining.

3. Can you have NCGS and have celiac disease at the same time?

Yes, that is possible. People with NCGS may also have diagnosed or undiagnosed celiac disease.

Conclusion

Although they can cause similar symptoms and both involve the consumption of foods containing gluten, the causes and treatment approaches for celiac disease and gluten intolerance are different. While people with celiac disease develop an autoimmune reaction to gluten, people with gluten sensitivity do not have such an immunological reaction to gluten.

The exact number of people affected by both conditions is unknown, but it is believed that celiac disease is less common than gluten intolerance. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical to the health and well-being of affected individuals. It is advisable to see a doctor or specialist for an accurate diagnosis and advice on treatment.

Sources:
– National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Celiac disease
– MedlinePlus: Gluten sensitivity – Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
– Mayo Clinic: Is the gluten-free diet suitable for everyone?