Key takeaways
There are several gluten-related disorders (GRDs), including celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), and wheat allergy.
Celiac disease is the most severe GRD. Without treatment, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, including digestive symptoms, skin rashes, nutritional deficiencies, joint pain, and neuropathy.
NCGS causes some of the same symptoms, but they are usually less severe. In contrast, wheat allergy causes many of the typical food allergy symptoms, such as hives, wheezing, or itchy eyes.
Gluten intolerance is characterized by adverse reactions to gluten, a protein in wheat, barley, and rye. There are several ways this can manifest, and a wide range of symptoms that people can experience.
This article takes a closer look at some of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance.
Celiac disease is the most severe gluten-related disorder. It’s
that affects about
of the population. Without strict gluten avoidance, it can have serious effects.
Here are a few of the most common symptoms of celiac disease.
Diarrhea, constipation, and smelly feces
Individuals with celiac disease experience inflammation in the small intestine after eating gluten. This damages your gut lining, leading to:
pain
bloating
constipation
Skin reactions
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is one manifestation of celiac disease. It causes extremely itchy bumps and
. For some people with celiac disease, DH is their only symptom.
Fatigue
Many people with autoimmune disorders, including celiac disease,
feel tired. Several factors may contribute, including:
psychological conditions, such as depression and anxiety
Iron deficiency anemia
fatigue
dizziness
weakness
pale skin
hair loss
low mood
Iron deficiency anemia may be among the first symptoms of celiac disease that a healthcare professional notices.
Depression and anxiety
Depression and anxiety are
among people with celiac disease. Scientists aren’t sure why, but there are several theories:
Living with a chronic condition: Living with a chronic condition can be stressful, especially when it requires constant management. Avoiding certain activities
feelings of loneliness or missing out, while a fear of potential attacks or complications could also lead to anxiety.
Vitamin deficiency: This can occur when the body cannot properly absorb nutrients, leading to malabsorption or
. This, in turn, can affect mood.
Microbiome changes: There is
that celiac disease may alter
, though more research is needed. A
found a strong link between the microbiome and mental health.
Gluten exorphins: These peptides form during the digestion of certain gluten proteins.
theorize that they may interfere with the
, raising your risk of depression.
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion: This occurs when not enough blood reaches the brain, leading to a lack of oxygen.
Unexplained weight loss
Joint and muscle pain
People with celiac disease can experience joint and
due to inflammation. Over time, untreated celiac disease
bone health, raising the risk of osteoporosis.
Neurological symptoms
Another surprising symptom of gluten intolerance is
, which involves
in your arms and legs.
Another neurological manifestation of celiac disease is
, which affects movement. People with gluten ataxia may have more difficulty with
, precise arm and leg movement, and balance.
Although celiac disease is the most severe form of gluten intolerance,
of people may have
, which is milder and not an autoimmune disorder.
Scientists are still trying to understand what causes NCGS. Currently, there are no specific symptom criteria, making diagnosis difficult.
Here are some of the symptoms of NCGS.
Bloating, pain, and diarrhea
Occasional diarrhea or bloating is common, but it may be a cause for concern if it happens regularly.
For people with NCGS, eating gluten-containing foods may trigger these digestive issues. However, if a person also experiences these symptoms after eating other foods, another cause may be at work.
Headaches and migraine
Many people experience headaches from time to time.
is also a common condition.
But according to a
summarizing previous research, both headaches and migraine are more common in those with NCGS. A
also notes that headaches are among the most common nondigestive symptoms.
Fatigue
People with gluten intolerance
to
and tiredness, especially after eating gluten-containing foods.
Depression and anxiety
Anxiety and depression are some other symptoms that those with NCGS report. If NCGS is the direct cause, avoiding gluten or wheat
any mood changes.
However, scientists are still trying to understand the link between gluten disorders and mental health.
Muscle or joint pain
Some people with NCGS report having chronic pain beyond the
, such as in the muscles or joints.
Brain fog
“
” refers to the feeling of being unable to think clearly. It is a commonly reported symptom of NCGS.
In one
, brain fog affected 48% of participants with non-celiac gluten intolerance. The exact mechanism behind this is unknown.
Potential neurological symptoms
In a
, 31% reported
, while 19% reported tingling within 2 hours of gluten consumption. This is similar to the symptoms people with celiac disease can experience, and within a similar timeframe.
But scientists are unsure why this happens.
Wheat allergy is a
that causes your body’s immune system to react to certain proteins found in wheat, including gluten or other compounds.
Wheat allergy is more common in children than in adults, and approximately
of children outgrow it by the age of 12. The symptoms can include:
Hives or rashes
Wheat allergies often cause
, a skin rash that causes raised, itchy bumps, or “wheals”. This allergy can also cause other types of skin rash.
Digestive symptoms
People with wheat allergies
digestive issues, such as:
bloating
pain
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
Nasal congestion
In some cases, a person with a wheat allergy who has nasal symptoms can develop baker’s asthma, a type of occupational asthma caused by frequent exposure to bread flour.
Headaches
Anaphylaxis
is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. It causes swelling, hives, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing after exposure to an
, such as wheat.
Treatment generally involves using
, a medication injected directly into your skin after the onset of anaphylaxis.
However, people who experience anaphylaxis should get emergency medical attention, even if they have self-administered epinephrine.
Celiac diseaseNCGSWheat allergybloatingXXgasXXconstipationXXdiarrheaXXXabdominal painXXXnauseaXXvomitingXXhivesXitchy eyes or throatXsneezing, runny, or blocked noseXwheezing or asthmaXtissue swelling, especially around the faceXanaphylaxis, which may be exercise-inducedXheadachesXXXfatigue or brain fogXXgreasy, pale, or foul-smelling stoolsXunintentional weight lossXdermatitis herpetiformisXjoint or bone painXXneurological symptoms, such as neuropathyXXfertility and reproductive problemsXanxiety or depressionXXRemember that the symptoms of gluten intolerance, wheat allergy, and celiac disease often overlap, making it difficult to identify the cause. There are also many other conditions that can cause these symptoms.
The best way to get a diagnosis is to work closely with a doctor.
Since so many symptoms overlap between different GRDs, it can be difficult to determine which — if any — is responsible.
If you suspect you have one of these conditions, it’s helpful to first identify any links between your symptoms and specific foods you’re eating. Collecting information via a
is a good starting point.
You can make an appointment to discuss your findings with a doctor. Combining personal dietary insight with a comprehensive health exam may help lead to an accurate diagnosis.
Once you know your condition, you can make any
changes knowing they are truly necessary.
Gluten-related disorders can cause a range of symptoms and are often difficult to identify. Know that you aren’t alone and that there are resources to help.
Speak with a doctor or
for an accurate diagnosis, which will involve a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and potential testing. They can create a
to help reduce your symptoms.