Wheat Allergy, wheat intolerance and Coeliac Disease are often confused with each other due to their similar symptoms. However there are differences between them and it is important for your health and your food choices to know these differences because the effects. Our dietitian Michelle Butler outlines the differences between wheat allergy, wheat intolerance and Coeliac Disease…
Disease :
Wheat Allergy
Wheat Intolerance
Coeliac
Onset of symptoms
Babies and young children
Any Age
Any Age
Duration
Usually resolves within the first few years of life
May disappear after a period of wheat elimination
Lifelong disease
Reaction is triggered by:
All wheat
All wheat
Gluten protein that is found in wheat
Reaction Involves the Immune System
Yes
No
Yes
Response to Wheat Ingestion
Immediate or delayed
Usually delayed
Delayed
Can I Eat Gluten–Free Wheat Products?
No
No
Yes
Diagnosis
Skin prick test followed by an elimination diet and food challenges
Exclusion diet as symptoms are ambiguous and may point to different conditions
Specific blood tests used to diagnose coeliac disease which are then supported by a gut biopsy
Treatment
Remove wheat from diet completely
Remove wheat from diet – may be able to reintroduce wheat after period of elimination
Life-long gluten free diet
Symptoms of Wheat Allergy, Wheat Intolerance and Coeliac Disease
Wheat Allergy:
- asthma
- runny or stuffy nose
- conjunctivitis
- anaphylaxis
Wheat Intolerance:
- nausea
- upset stomach
- tiredness
- bloating
- altered bowel habit
Coeliac Disease:
- diarrhoea
- excessive wind
- constipation
- persistent nausea and vomiting
- recurrent stomach pain
- cramping or bloating
- deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12, folic acid), tiredness, weight loss, mouth ulcers, hair loss, skin rash, osteoporosis)
