Individuals who are gluten intolerant may also experience bloating, discomfort in their abdomen, excessive gas, diarrhoea, or constipation (Images: Pexels). Persistent bloating, abdominal discomfort, and irregular bowel habits are increasingly common complaints in gastroenterology clinics. While many patients suspect gluten intolerance, experts say the condition is often misunderstood and requires proper medical evaluation before dietary changes are made. According to Dr Saiprasad Lad, Consultant – Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Therapeutic GI Endoscopist at S.L. Raheja Hospital – A Fortis Associate, gluten-related symptoms are often linked to Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS).. “Patients often come to me complaining about prolonged abdominal discomfort and bloating. Many also report issues with bowel obstruction, especially when they consume anything that has gluten in it, which is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye,” he tells indianexpress.com. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.. Gluten intolerance vs celiac disease. Dr Lad clarifies that NCGS is different from Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition in which gluten damages the small intestinal lining. In contrast, NCGS does not cause structural damage, but symptoms can still significantly affect quality of life.. Dr Vikram Uttam Patil, Consultant – Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Interventional Endoscopist at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital – Nagar Road, explains: “Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (also called gluten intolerance) may cause chronic intestinal disorders by irritating the gastrointestinal lining and interfering with how food is digested in the digestive system; however, unlike Celiac disease, this condition does not trigger an autoimmune reaction.”. He adds that wheat allergy is another distinct condition and can present with immediate allergic symptoms such as hives or breathing difficulty, though it is less common.. In some gluten-sensitive people, consuming wheat may lead to an immune-triggered inflammatory response (Image: ChatGPT generated). What happens in the gut. In gluten intolerance, consuming gluten may trigger inflammatory changes in the gut without the autoimmune destruction seen in Celiac disease.. Story continues below this ad. Dr Patil reveals that this may result in increased intestinal permeability (‘leaky gut’), abnormal intestinal motility, and fermentation of ingested food by intestinal microbes. “This may cause gas and discomfort in the individual, leading to bloating and abnormal bowel habits.”. Some of the common symptoms that may highlight gluten sensitivity, as pointed out by the gastro specialists, include:. Abdominal bloating and cramps. Excess gas and flatulence. Diarrhoea or constipation. Nausea and fatigue. Post-meal heaviness or incomplete digestion. Dr Patil also notes
