Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, and wheat intolerance are both conditions that are characterized by gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms typically are triggered after specific foods have been eaten. Although frequently mistaken for each other, they are not the same thing.
Wheat intolerance
Wheat intolerance is not the same as celiac disease or wheat allergy. It is caused by consuming wheat, although symptoms may not appear immediately following wheat consumption. Symptoms include constipation or diarrhea, vomiting, malaise, and sometimes, hives and rashes. The reaction is generally milder than in celiac disease or wheat allergy.
IBS
IBS is a digestive disorder characterized by constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating and abdominal cramps. The causes of IBS are not known, but certain foods, including wheat, can trigger symptoms.
How to Tell the Difference
Since the outward signs of wheat intolerance and IBS can be very similar, it is difficult to tell the difference. Your doctor can conduct tests to rule out alternative causes such as fructose malabsorption, lactose intolerance, parasites and celiac disease. Once all the alternatives are ruled out, if you have symptoms after eating foods other than wheat, it is more likely you have IBS.
Managing Symptoms
To reduce your symptoms from either wheat intolerance or IBS, you can avoid foods which trigger your symptoms. For wheat intolerance, this means avoiding all foods with wheat, or to take it even further, all foods with gluten, which wheat contains. For IBS, observe your symptoms carefully to determine which foods to avoid. Depending on your IBS symptoms, your doctor may also prescribe medication for you.
