This article is very helpful in clearing up some of the confusion surrounding the differences between celiac disease and a gluten intolerance.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that dramatically damages the intestines.  Celiac disease can be diagnosed using a blood test (such as the CeliacSure test) and confirmed by a small intestine biopsy.

A gluten-intolerance is closer to a food allergy and does not cause an autoimmune reaction.  However this does not mean that people with an intolerance don’t feel just as sick as those with celiac, depending on how severe their symptoms are. Anyone questioning if they have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten intolerance should consult with their doctor to consider getting tested.

Read more: http://sewickley.patch.com/articles/diagnosing-celiac-disease-and-gluten-intolerance