Abdominal discomfort, bloating or irregular bowel movements are problems that affect many people. These symptoms can be signs of a number of digestive problems, including gluten sensitivity. Early recognition and an accurate diagnosis are key to improving quality of life and preventing more serious complications.
What is gluten sensitivity?
Gluten is a protein complex found in wheat, barley and rye. It is important to distinguish between the three main types of gluten-related disorders:
- Coeliac disease: An autoimmune disease in which the consumption of gluten causes damage to the lining of the small intestine and the atrophy of the intestinal villi. This leads to severe malabsorption.
- Wheat allergy: A classic food allergy in which the immune system triggers an immediate reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, vomiting).
- Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS): The symptoms are similar to those of coeliac disease, but are not associated with damage to the villi or the presence of specific antibodies. Diagnosis is based on ruling out other conditions.
What symptoms might indicate this problem?
Symptoms can vary enormously and are not limited solely to the digestive system.
Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Recurrent diarrhoea or constipation.
- Abdominal bloating and increased gas production.
- Recurrent abdominal pain and cramps.
- Large volumes of greasy stools (steatorrhoea).
Symptoms outside the digestive system
- Skin symptoms: Itchy, blistering skin rashes (Duhring's disease), mouth ulcers.
- Nervous system symptoms: Numbness in the limbs, headaches, migraines, and impaired coordination.
- General signs: Chronic fatigue, iron-deficiency anaemia, osteoporosis.
- In children: Stagnation in growth and weight gain, delayed puberty.
The steps involved in making an accurate diagnosis
Important! Until the investigations are completed You must not start a gluten-free diet, as this may result in a false-negative result.
- Serology (Blood test): Detection of antibodies produced by the immune system (e.g. anti-tTG, EMA).
- Genetic testing: Testing for the presence of the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes (if the result is negative, coeliac disease can be ruled out in almost 100% of cases).
- Histopathological examination: If blood is detected, the condition of the intestinal villi is confirmed by a small bowel biopsy taken during a gastroscopy. The At Endomedix Centres This can be carried out gently, even under anaesthesia.
Treatment: A strict gluten-free diet
The only effective treatment for coeliac disease is a strict, lifelong diet.
- Prohibited: Wheat, rye, barley and finished products containing these (bread, pasta, beer, breaded foods).
- Safe: Maize, rice, millet, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth, as well as naturally gluten-free meats, vegetables, fruit and eggs.
- Warning: Oats may only be consumed if they are guaranteed to be labelled „gluten-free”!
Once the diet has been started, symptoms usually improve within a few weeks and the intestinal lining regenerates.
