People diagnosed with celiac disease and gluten insensitivity are increasing, celiac disease is an autoimmune ailment that affects the digestive system. When celiac sufferers consume products with gluten, their immune system responds by destroying the villi (tiny, finger-like protrusions) found in the small intestines. This disease is detected through blood testing.
Early symptoms of this disease include bloating, gas, stomach pain, weight loss, and decrease in appetite, constant or intermittent diarrhea, floating stools that appear bloody or fatty and vomiting.
Gluten intolerance, on the other hand is not an autoimmune disease. When a person with gluten intolerance consumes any product containing gluten, it causes bloating, abdominal cramping, flatulence and diarrhea.
Gluten sensitivity is a less harmful form of gluten intolerance. Although the symptoms are the same with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity does not damage the intestinal lining.
If you experience any of the symptoms above after consuming products containing gluten, chances are, you may be gluten intolerant. You should consult your doctor right away for proper diagnosis. It is important that you stick on the same diet that you have before you visit the doctor to ensure an objective test result. Celiac disease is not easy to diagnose and if you switch in a different diet before you go for testing, the results may not be reliable.