Skip to main content

Translate

Celiac Disease, Wheat Allergy and Gluten Intolerance: What's the Difference?

Celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and wheat allergy are the three major disorders that are known to trigger unpleasant symptoms following intake of foods made using wheat. Although the three conditions share similar symptoms, their pathogenic mechanism, diagnosis and treatment are quite different. Coeliac disease is permanent, whereas allergies and intolerances can come and go during a person’s life. 

Celiac disease is a genetic, autoimmune disorder that occurs in reaction to the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The reaction to gluten causes inflammation and atrophy of intestinal lining, which can lead to malabsorption of nutrients and related health issues.
The diagnosis of Celiac disease is classically based on a combination of findings from a patient’s clinical history, serologic testing (anti-transglutaminase IgA antibody, anti-endomysium antibody, Deamidated Gliadin Peptide) and duodenal biopsies.

Wheat allergy is an immune reaction (IgE mediated) to a number of food proteins found in wheat, including gluten. However, unlike celiac disease, this immune response is most often temporary. 
The diagnosis of Wheat allergy is classically based on skin prick tests (SPT), in vitro specific Immunoglobulin E assays (Blood allergy test). 

Gluten intolerance, also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity, the condition of people who cannot tolerate gluten in their food and experience similar symptoms to celiac disease, but without the same kind of intestinal damage as occurs in coeliac cases. . 
Gluten intolerance is mainly a “diagnosis of exclusion” made after other wheat-related and non-wheat-related disorders have been ruled out. 


 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Pitfalls of Routine Health check-ups During Acute Illness: What You Need to Know

Preventive health check-ups , which typically include a series of blood tests, play a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being. These check-ups help identify potential health issues early, allowing for timely intervention. However, while these screenings are essential, the timing of when you undergo them is equally important. Getting routine blood tests during an acute illness—such as the flu, a stomach bug, or even a common cold—can lead to misleading results and unnecessary concerns. Here’s why it’s best to delay preventive health check-ups until after you've fully recovered from an acute illness. Understanding Acute Illness and Its Impact on Blood Tests: An acute illness refers to a sudden onset condition that usually lasts for a short period. Common examples include the flu, fever, a cold, or gastroenteritis (Vomiting, Diarrhoea). Although these illnesses are temporary, they cause significant changes in the body’s physiology as it works to fight off the infection or infla...
Post a Comment
Read more

High Urine Sugar and Normal Blood Sugar: Uncovering the Mysteries of Glycosuria

  Glycosuria , the presence of glucose in urine, is commonly associated with diabetes, where high blood sugar levels lead to the spillage of glucose into the urine. However, a perplexing scenario arises when glycosuria occurs alongside normal blood sugar levels. This intriguing condition challenges conventional medical understanding and prompts a deeper exploration into its causes and implications. Under normal circumstances, the kidneys filter blood, reabsorbing glucose back into the bloodstream and preventing its excretion in urine. Glycosuria typically indicates a disruption in this process, often linked to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels). But when blood glucose levels are within normal ranges, the puzzle deepens. Possible Causes of Glycosuria with Normal Blood Sugar:  Several conditions and factors can lead to this unusual phenomenon: Renal Glycosuria: A rare inherited condition where the renal tubules are unable to reabsorb glucose efficiently, leading to its pre...
Post a Comment
Read more

What is Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)? Signs, Risks, and How to Stay Safe.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an important but often underappreciated respiratory virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family. First identified in 2001, hMPV has emerged as a leading cause of acute respiratory infections (ARIs), particularly in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. hMPV is distributed globally, with infections occurring year-round but peaking in late winter and early spring in temperate climates. Studies suggest that nearly all children are exposed to the virus by the age of five. Reinfections are common throughout life, although they tend to be less severe in healthy adults. Clinical Features:  The spectrum of hMPV infection ranges from asymptomatic to severe disease. Common clinical manifestations include: Mild upper respiratory tract symptoms: Runny nose, cough, and sore throat. Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs): Bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and exacerbation of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmo...
Post a Comment
Read more