1. Community
  2. Gut, bowel and stomach
  3. Coeliac Disease

How to tell IBS and Celiac disease apart?

Posted , 3 users are following.

TreeFiddy
TreeFiddy

Hi,

I was diagnosed with IBS years ago when I was suffering from weird stomach aches, that they couldn't find a cause for. From then on I have stomach aches on and off that don't really bother me much. Then when I fell pregnant 2 years ago, I started to suffer from SEVERE cramps at night time, which would only slow down after vomiting and diarrhea. I would get one every couple of weeks and after I gave birth they would be every couple of months and I would no longer need to vomit or go to the bathroom when they happened.

Recently, I've been having stomach trouble again. I had a lot of pelvic pressure like something was about to fall out. My Doctors said that it would be down to my IBS and gave me buscopan and peppermint capsules. I'm now having those cramps every couple of DAYS, but even though they hurt, they are no way near as severe and last about 10-15 minutes. The pressure is not there now, but I'm really worried as my aunt was just diagnosed with Celiac disease. She had the typical symptoms and I don't, but I would like to know what else could tell the 2 apart.

I am tired a lot and having soft poos or I don't go for a whole day and I have been quite tired since this has happened. Can IBS be on and off? Usually bad food like Dominos pizza/takeaway food can give me stomach pain, but sometimes I'm completely fine. My intestines won't stop rumbling and now I'm starting to worry. I have no pain apart from those stomach cramps.

Thanks.

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • TreeFiddy
    TreeFiddy

    Posted

    I also have a lot of gas that I'm finding hard to pass.
  • lorraine57453
    lorraine57453 TreeFiddy

    Posted

    When I was first diagnosed my stmptoms were pale stools a pain in my right lower stomach tired all the time lost weight and anaemic! I have coeliacs now in thinking I have ibs also as getting painful cramps both sides of belly and constipated! Oh the joys lol! 
  • gillmm
    gillmm TreeFiddy

    Posted

    It is very easy to tell them apart, you get a blood test, but make sure you are eating gluten before the test or it won't work.

    You are more likely to have coeliac disease if a relative has it, and once diagnosed you can start a gluten free diet and can start to feel better.

    Coeliac disease can be triggered by pregnancy, my aunt was diagnosed after her first child.

    Try not to worry about the diagnosis of coeliac disease, it's not really a 'disease' and you can be completely 'cured' by a change in diet.

    It's safer to get a test because if coeliac goes untreated it can cause osteoporosis, miscarriage, cancer, and many other conditions associated with malabsorption (eg anaemia).

    Dominos pizza and chinese food contains gluten in the soy sauce, indian in the naan bread and some starters, and battered fish, so your link with takeaways is also a clue.

    (However the good news is that most indian food is gluten free, except the naan!)

    Many people are misdiagnosed with IBS and then find that on a gluten free diet all their symptoms disappear.

     

  • dianaa
    dianaa TreeFiddy

    Posted

    Hi, Jadeinda.

    Oh, you so much have a cealiac disease and IBS, as well. Try gluten free, wheat free, oat free, barley free for 2 months and see how you feel.

    I garantee you that your problems are going to almost disaipear.

    I also started to have cealiac disease symptoms after my first child was born.

    It started when she was 6 months old and I was actualy breastfeeding her for for 12 months alltogether.

    I am sure it started because of my immune system was weaker. Well, my baby needed all my vitamines and stuff and also Hormonal changes might be the sause.

    Good luck.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.