Key points
- Allergy, coeliac and sensitivity are different
- Test before cutting out wheat
- Millets are naturally gluten-free
- Throat swelling after food = emergency
What it is
Three different conditions can cause problems with wheat. Wheat allergy is an immune reaction to wheat proteins and can cause hives, swelling or breathing problems. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the lining of the small intestine. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity causes symptoms without allergy or intestinal damage.
Because the conditions and their tests differ, it is important to be assessed before cutting wheat out of the diet.
Common signs
- Bloating, gas, loose stools or constipation after wheat
- Stomach pain
- Itchy rash or hives
- Tiredness, poor growth in children, or iron deficiency
- In allergy: swelling of lips or face, wheeze
Where wheat and gluten hide
- Roti, bread, biscuits, cakes and pasta
- Maida-based snacks and bakery items
- Soups and sauces thickened with flour
- Barley and rye also contain gluten
- Some packaged foods and sweets
Everyday care that helps
- Do not stop wheat before testing if coeliac disease is suspected — it can make tests falsely normal
- Keep a food and symptom diary
- If advised a gluten-free diet: rice, millets (bajra, jowar, ragi), maize, besan and pulses are naturally gluten-free
- Read food labels carefully
- Make sure iron, calcium and vitamin D intake are adequate
When to see a doctor promptly
- Swelling of lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing after eating — call emergency services
- Blood in stools
- Unexplained weight loss, or a child not growing well
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea
How we approach it at Gursagar
We take a careful history of symptoms, diet, growth, family history and reports, and advise the right tests where needed.
Dr. Shah prescribes classical homoeopathic medicine chosen for you individually, with practical dietary guidance, reviewed at follow-ups.
Common questions
Is gluten-free healthier for everyone?
Not necessarily; it is needed only when there is a medical reason.
Which test should I do?
Your doctor will advise — allergy tests and coeliac tests are different.
Can I consult online?
Yes, with your reports and a food diary.
Practising classical homoeopathy since 1999 · Gursagar Homoeopathic Hospital, Rajpura & Chandigarh · Full profile →
Would you like Dr. Shah to look at your case?
Consult in person at Rajpura or Chandigarh, or online from anywhere in India and abroad.
This article is for general health education and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Every person is assessed individually, and results differ from person to person. Please do not stop or change any medicine prescribed to you without speaking to your doctor. Dr. Randeep Singh Shah, D.H.M.S., AFHom (UK) · Reg. No. 2423-A.