Coeliac Disease vs Non-Coeliac Wheat Sensitivity

Coeliac disease and non-coeliac wheat sensitivity are two distinct conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract after a person consumes gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other foods and beverages[2]. On the other hand, non-coeliac wheat sensitivity, also known as non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), is a syndrome of symptomatic response to gluten ingestion in patients without evidence of celiac disease when looking in the blood or at tissue under a microscope[14]. 

The symptoms of coeliac disease and non-coeliac wheat sensitivity can be similar, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, and fatigue[2][6]. However, people with coeliac disease may also experience skin problems, digestive issues, and mood changes[8]. Additionally, people with coeliac disease have intestinal damage when they eat gluten, while people with non-coeliac wheat sensitivity do not have the intestinal damage or antibodies found in those with coeliac disease[6].

Diagnosis of coeliac disease involves a small intestinal biopsy, while diagnosis of non-coeliac wheat sensitivity requires excluding coeliac disease by serological tests[10][7]. Treatment of coeliac disease is a strict gluten-free diet for life, while treatment of non-coeliac wheat sensitivity is based on a gluten-free diet, although it is unknown if long-term, strict avoidance of all gluten-related products is necessary[1].

In summary, coeliac disease and non-coeliac wheat sensitivity are two distinct conditions that can cause similar symptoms. While coeliac disease involves intestinal damage and is an autoimmune disorder, non-coeliac wheat sensitivity does not involve intestinal damage and is a syndrome of symptomatic response to gluten ingestion in patients without evidence of celiac disease. If you suspect you have either condition, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Citations:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488826/

[2] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21622-gluten-intolerance

[3] https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/celiac-disease-vs-gluten-intolerance-infographic

[4] https://nyulangone.org/conditions/celiac-disease-gluten-sensitivity/diagnosis

[5] https://www.beyondceliac.org/celiac-disease/non-celiac-gluten-sensitivity/symptoms/

[6] https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/related-conditions/non-celiac-wheat-gluten-sensitivity/

[7] https://www.drschaer.com/us/institute/a/non-celiac-gluten-sensitivity-diagnosis

[8] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/signs-you-are-gluten-intolerant

[9] https://www.closingthegap.ca/the-difference-between-celiac-disease-gluten-intolerance-and-wheat-allergy/

[10] https://www.celiac.ca/gluten-related-disorders/non-celiac-gluten-sensitivity/

[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4406911/

[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6182669/

[13] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/gluten-sensitivity-celiac-disease-wheat-allergy-differences/

[14] https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/celiac-disease

[15] https://www.beyondceliac.org/celiac-disease/non-celiac-gluten-sensitivity/

[16] https://bmcgastroenterol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12876-020-01568-6

[17] https://gluten.org/2019/10/15/celiac-disease-non-celiac-gluten-sensitivity-or-wheat-allergy-what-is-the-difference/