DISEASE OR ALLERGY?

People with celiac disease have an adverse reaction to foods that contain gluten, such as wheat, rye, oats, and barley.  Eating these grains or products that contain them irritates the lining of the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption.  Symptoms may include bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting.  Unlike celiac disease, a wheat allergy is a reaction by the body’s immune system that is triggered by the protein in wheat.  Symptoms are similar to those of other food allergies:  runny nose, stomach ache, cramps, rash, or hives.  A person with a wheat allergy can eat other grains but must avoid wheat and products that contain it.  An allergist can confirm the existence of a wheat allergy through allergy testing.

P.S.  Celiac disease is a lifelong condition, whereas children often outgrow wheat allergies.

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