Gluten sensitivity, or celiac disease, and a wheat allergy are not related conditions. Gluten sensitivity is more common than a wheat allergy and may be difficulty to decipher the difference because both conditions cause similar digestive symptoms. Although gluten sensitivity causes an immune system reaction, it is limited to the intestines and does not affect other systems in your body. If you develop adverse reactions after ingesting products that contain wheat, make an appointment with your doctor.
Gluten Sensitivity
The exact cause of gluten sensitivity is unknown, but doctor do know that it commonly runs in families. Gluten is a protein found in wheat. If you are intolerant of gluten, your immune system in your digestive system overacts to the protein and causes damage to the villi. Villi are tiny, hair-like projections in the intestines that absorb minerals, vitamins and nutrition from the food you consume, according to MayoClinc.com. Once the villi are damaged, your body cannot absorb certain protein, fat or minerals and are expelled in your stools.
Wheat Allergy
If you're allergic to wheat, the proteins in the wheat confuse the immune system. The immune system reacts to the wheat proteins as if they are harmful, although they're safe. The body creates a defense against the wheat, which causes the production of immunoglobulin E antibodies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The reaction to the wheat proteins will cause inflammation in different parts of the body, such as in the lungs, the sinuses and the skin. A wheat allergy can lead to a severe allergic reaction.
Common Symptoms
Celiac disease symptoms are different for everyone, but common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating. These symptoms are shared with a wheat allergy. A wheat allergy will cause symptoms in various parts of the body, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sinus headaches, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath, rashes, eczema, hives and general skin itching, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Consideration
Both conditions require you to remove all wheat and gluten-contain foods from your diet. The American College of Gastroenterology states that food that contain gluten include: rye, barley, oats, baked goods, cereals, noodles and spaghetti. Some unlikely foods contain wheat, such as salad dressings, canned vegetables, instant coffee, ketchup, mustard and ice cream.
