Should I avoid gluten, and when should I be tested for coeliac disease?
Not everyone needs a gluten-free diet. Coeliac disease differs from wheat allergy and non-coeliac sensitivity, though symptoms can overlap. If coeliac disease is suspected, discuss testing before removing gluten, because starting the diet first can make results less reliable.
Details
Symptoms alone do not identify the cause
Persistent bloating, diarrhoea, weight loss or iron deficiency may need evaluation, particularly with a family history. Feeling better after removing bread does not by itself prove coeliac disease; other ingredients or conditions may be involved.
Testing before restriction
Assessment may include antibodies and sometimes endoscopy with biopsies, depending on age and findings. Tell the clinician if you already avoid gluten so testing can be planned. If wheat previously caused swelling or breathing difficulty, do not perform a home reintroduction; seek allergy assessment.
After diagnosis
Coeliac disease requires a strict ongoing gluten-free diet with professional support. Wheat allergy and non-coeliac sensitivity need different plans. Avoid broad restriction without diagnosis and follow-up, and discuss suitable alternatives instead of applying one rule to everyone with bloating.
Related reading: When do probiotics help, and can they treat IBS or yeast infections?.