How To Tell If You Have Ibs Or Celiac Disease

What Is The Underlying Cause

Doctors and researchers are not completely sure what causes either celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to launch an attack against gluten molecules and, in doing so, mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the small intestine as well. As is true for most autoimmune conditions, doctors are not sure what triggers this reaction, though there is a genetic component to the disease itself.

Irritable bowel syndrome is similar to celiac disease in that there is no known cause, but there are several factors that seem to play a role. Some research suggests that the strength of the muscles in the digestive tract may affect the speed at which food passes through the system slow food passage can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Abnormalities in the nerves in the digestive system can trigger symptoms, as can inflammation, infection, and changes to the microflora in the digestive tract. Symptoms of IBS can also be triggered by certain foods, stress, and hormonal fluctuations.

Can Gluten Cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Does a gluten free diet help with IBS? Can gluten cause IBS directly? Irritable bowel syndrome is a widely diagnosed, often misunderstood condition. With an array of symptoms that mimic a variety of other gastrointestinal disorders and a diagnosis that can easily mask other underlying conditions, many people with IBS find themselves struggling to find answers and manage symptoms.

There are a number of factors and underlying causes and triggers that can contribute to IBS, and gluten is definitely one of them. But before discussing glutens role in IBS, lets cover some basic information about irritable bowel that is important to understand.

Similarities And Differences In Symptoms

Occasional digestive upset is completely normal and can be triggered by anything from spicy food to stress. When symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, and/or bloating become a near-everyday occurrences, however, it is typically a sign that something more is going on.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine. It is a reaction to gluten, one of the primary proteins in wheat, barley, and rye, that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the cells lining the wall of the small intestine. This damage prevents the body from properly digesting and utilizing nutrients which, in addition to certain digestive symptoms, can lead to a whole host of other symptoms such as chronic fatigue, joint pain, and headaches.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a digestive disorder that affects the large intestine or colon. It typically causes stomach pain and bloating, but may also cause constipation or diarrhea in some patients. Much like celiac disease, symptoms may flare up after eating, especially after eating certain foods. The primary difference between celiac disease and IBS, when it comes to symptoms, is that IBS is characterized by an irritation of the digestive tract while celiac disease is a full-on immune reaction.

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What The Research Says

Before we begin, I want to reiterate that I am not a doctor or medical professional. I rely on what the research says about IBS, my doctor’s advice, and knowing my own symptoms.

There are some interesting data points about celiac disease and IBS and how they are related. While celiac disease is often misdiagnosed as IBS , the numbers of people with IBS are higher if you already have celiac. According to Beyond Celiac, “the prevalence of celiac disease in people who also have IBS is 4 times greater than in the general population”.

Whoop there it is.

Additionally, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation, “at least 20% of individuals with celiac disease continue to have symptoms on a gluten-free diet”. That’s exactly what was happening to me post celiac diagnosis and post SIBO treatment. Quickly I started to realize that stress was contributing a lot to my stomach problems. It took many years to finally be able to pinpoint what strategies worked well for me to prevent flares.

Symptoms That Require Medical Attention

The following symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition:

• difficulty or pain when swallowing
• severe abdominal pain
• diarrhea or vomiting that doesnt stop
• blood in the stool or vomit

Ultimately, while some of the symptoms of IBS and celiac disease may seem minor, any new or worsening symptoms that dont get better with over-the-counter medications should be checked out by your doctor.

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Is Celiac Disease Hidden Among Ibs Sufferers

If youve ever experienced cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and or constipation, you know how miserable it can feel. And unfortunately, these symptoms could indicate irritable bowel syndrome , but they could also be signs of celiac disease, which leaves us wondering…could celiac disease be hidden among IBS sufferers?

According to Beyond Celiac, yes! Between 5 and 15% of those diagnosed with celiac disease were originally diagnosed with IBS and the prevalence of celiac disease in people who also have IBS is 4 times greater than in the general population!

For those of you who dont know, IBS is a functional disorder. Meaning, there is nothing structurally wrong with the gut, unlike in celiac disease or in Crohns Disease. Individuals with IBS typically have a sensitive digestive system with heightened reactivity, which causes the bowel to respond differently to normal gut stimuli. While celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine. It is a reaction to gluten, one of the primary proteins in wheat, barley, and rye, that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the cells lining the wall of the small intestine.

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Article written for MyHealthyGut

Tips For Staying Healthy

If you are experiencing abdominal pain or other digestive issues, you should make an appointment to discuss your concerns with a healthcare provider. They may recommend testing for celiac disease, allergies, or food sensitivities that could trigger your symptoms. If you have celiac disease, early testing is essential to avoid long-term complications.

You can also order an at-home Food Sensitivity Test or Food Sensitivity Comprehensive Test to identify types of foods that may be causing unpleasant symptoms related to food sensitivities. These tests donât screen for celiac disease, but the results can help identify foods to include in a temporary elimination diet and/or bring up to your healthcare provider later.

Once you have a diagnosis, be sure to ask your doctor which diet and lifestyle changes they recommend. Many people successfully manage symptoms by cutting out foods that trigger symptoms, exercising regularly, and reducing stress. Keeping a food journal is a great way to keep track of what you eat and avoid foods that might trigger symptoms.

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Celiac Vs Ibs: What You Need To Know About Each

Both celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome can cause many of the same symptoms, leading to uncertainty of which you may have.

Digestive issues are extremely common and extremely frustrating. As common as digestive issues like bloating, gas and abdominal cramping are, many people who suffer from them face the additional challenge of trying to determine their cause.

Celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and several other digestive disorders have a similar set of symptoms, which makes diagnosis tricky. Celiac disease affects roughly 1% of the population, while irritable bowel syndrome is thought to affect up to 15% of the population. Whats more, anywhere from 5% to 15% of celiac disease sufferers were originally diagnosed with IBS. These statistics highlight the fact that not only are both celiac disease and IBS very common, but it is important to know the similarities and differences between the two if you hope to achieve an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

In this article, well explore these two conditions in greater depth to help you gain a better understanding of your own symptoms so you can have a constructive conversation with your doctor to diagnose your condition.

What Is The Difference And How Does Diet Play A Role

In Canada, it is estimated that nearly 1% of the population are affected by celiac disease1, while irritable bowel syndrome is thought to affect up to 18% of the Canadian population having one of the highest prevalence of IBS in the world. 2 Celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome can cause many of the same symptoms. Knowing the similarities and differences between the two is important if you hope to achieve an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

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So What Is The Difference Between Celiac Disease And Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks gluten in the digestive system, damaging the tissue of the intestines at the same time. Celiacs are genetically predisposed to the disease, but can develop it at any age. It can often be triggered by a stressful event such as surgery or pregnancy.

The causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, on the other hand, are not well understood. Many believe it originates in the central nervous system with changes in the nerves that control sensation or muscle contractions in the bowel. The walls of the bowels or intestines, which usually contract rhythmically to allow food to pass through, start to contract irregularly, meaning that food is pushed through too quickly or too slowly. Because IBS tends to affect women more than men, hormone changes are also often thought to play a role in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The triggers for IBS and Celiac Disease often appear to be similar. IBS can be triggered by stress or a particular illness such as gastroenteritis in the same way as Celiac Disease. IBS can also be triggered by eating certain types of food that the body is intolerant to, including foods that contain gluten, but gluten does not cause the symptoms of IBS as it does with Celiac Disease, it only aggravates them. With IBS, the immune system does not produce antibodies to fight the food that is aggravating the condition.

The Long Term Effects of Celiac Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Is Crohns Disease Contagious

Crohns disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in your digestive tract, basically in your small and large intestines. Doctors and other experts have identified several potential factors that contribute to the development of Crohns disease. However, there is no evidence that Crohns disease is contagious. . Keep reading …

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The Fine Line Between Sensitivity And Celiac Disease

Celiac disease affects about 1 percent of Americans and develops in response to gluten exposure in people who are genetically predisposed. Its an autoimmune disorder in which the bodys immune system mistakenly launches an attack on the small intestine, inhibiting its ability to properly absorb nutrients and resulting in inflammation.

This inflammation in the small intestine can have health ramifications for the patient because it can impact their ability to absorb foods, can cause malnutrition, and they can have weight loss, said Rabia De Latour, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health.

Gluten-containing food can cause people with celiac disease to experience uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, weight loss and constipation, along with other problems like vitamin and mineral deficiencies, iron deficiency, anemia, joint pain, osteoporosis and more.

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity, on the other hand, is not an autoimmune disorder and doesnt involve gut inflammation. People living with this issue typically dont have the more serious complications of celiac, like malnutrition and weight loss, because, at the end of the day, their small intestine isnt actually inflamed, De Latour said.

Gluten sensitivity is also more mysterious in terms of how it presents, how long it lasts, how it can be diagnosed and its long-term risks or complications.

How To Manage Symptoms Of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a lifelong condition that has no cure. However, people with this condition can manage their symptoms effectively by adhering to a strict gluten-free diet.

This means that you must avoid any products containing wheat, barley, rye, or spelt, including any foods that may have been cross-contaminated, such as oats, unless theyre labeled as gluten-free.

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Table: Celiac Disease Vs Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Below is a table, which looks at the many components of both IBS and celiac disease for your quick reference. The comparative chart was put together by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Getting The Right Diagnosis

We know the importance of an accurate diagnosis but getting one can be problematic. One way to tell the difference between IBS and CD is to determine if you also suffer from symptoms like joint pain, osteoporosis, anemia, or another auto-immune disorder, all of which commonly occur with CD. But the best way is with a blood test and, definitively, a small bowel biopsy. Like most medical tests, biopsies are not inexpensive, and getting a doctor to agree to one can be difficult unless your blood test shows an abnormal level of auto-antibodies associated with celiac autoimmunity. Most importantly, if you have symptoms of IBS or youve been diagnosed with the condition, it is not recommended to go on a gluten-free diet if you want to be tested for CD in the near future. Avoiding gluten can cause your blood tests to come back with a false negative, which can also delay your diagnosis. In order to allow a proper diagnosis, it is better to your tests done prior to eliminating gluten.

In SummaryUp to 28% of people who have celiac disease are first treated for IBS. Symptoms of IBS during the prodromal period delayed accurate diagnosis by three years. A delayed or incorrect diagnosis leads to unnecessary intestinal damage that can result in serious nutritional deficiencies, and secondary malabsorptive related conditions .

If you have been diagnosed with IBS but suspect you have celiac disease it is important to discuss this with your medical professional.

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When To Contact A Healthcare Provider

You should talk to your healthcare provider if you experience digestive discomfort, diarrhea, or constipation that lasts for more than two weeks. If celiac disease runs in your family, you should ask your healthcare provider about testing options even if you arenât experiencing symptoms. Some people donât notice symptoms until later in life, and early detection reduces the risk of long-term complications.

IBS and celiac disease share some of the same symptoms, but knowing the differences can help you better understand your body and communicate your concerns to your healthcare provider.

If you think your symptoms might be connected to your diet, consider ordering an at-home celiac disease screening test and bring the results to your next appointment.

Article Sources

Is There An Association Between Coeliac Disease And Irritable Bowel Syndrome

J S LeedsD S SandersKeywords: Copyright

We read with interest the study by van der Wouden et al . The authors describe their experience of investigating patients with irritable bowel syndrome for coeliac disease. They tested 152 patients with IBS using IgA endomysial antibodies and total IgA level or duodenal biopsy 36 patients were subsequently biopsied but there were no cases of coeliac disease diagnosed . They concluded that the prevalence of coeliac disease in patients with IBS is low and that screening may be ineffective.

Table 1Studies of coeliac disease in cohorts of patients with irritable bowel syndrome

AGA, antigliadin antibodies, EMA, endomysial antibodies GFD, glutenfree diet NR, not reported tTG, tissue transglutaminase antibodies.

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Ibs Vs Celiac: Causes Symptoms And Treatments

Another thing that IBS and celiac disease have in common is that we are still unsure precisely what causes them. However, we do understand the different ways in which they affect the body and, therefore, how to treat them. Lets look at each one in more detail.

IBS Causes

The underlying cause of IBS is unclear. However, most scientists agree that it causes alterations in the way the brain and the gut communicate. This leads to irregular intestinal contractions, causing diarrhea, constipation and pain.

The symptoms of IBS can come and go. They may be triggered by certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes.

IBS Symptoms

The most common symptoms of IBS are:

• Abdominal pain and cramping.

• High-fiber foods.
• High-FODMAP foods.

Doctors can also prescribe medication to manage specific symptoms. For example, anti-spasmodic drugs can help to relieve bloating and pain, while anti-diarrhea medication and laxatives can help diarrhea and constipation.

Celiac Causes

It is unclear what triggers celiac disease in some people but it may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It sometimes occurs following a stressful experience, pregnancy, or an infection.

After its initial onset, the immune system reacts every time the individual consumes gluten. This causes inflammation in the small intestine and eventually damages its lining. Over time, this can lead to nutrient deficiencies and symptoms throughout the body.

Celiac Symptoms

• Abdominal pain and cramping.

Celiac Treatment

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