We just discovered that my wife is gluten intolerant. After about 5 years of her suffering from constipation, bloating, upset stomach, migraines, and lack of energy, we decided to cut out wheat products for a while. Within 2 weeks, almost all symptoms were gone. Gluten intolerance is a real thing that can make your life absolutely miserable.
That being said, we don't expect anyone else to conform to our particular diet. When we go out to eat, she orders food without wheat products in them. She doesn't ever "special order" her food. She has just learned what foods to stay away from. She doesn't broadcast her condition either, like it makes her "cool". She has just learned to adapt.
Now, sometimes she does have a craving for bread and pasta. (she is a carb junkie) And sometimes she eats it anyway knowing full well that she will pay for it later. Like this morning she had a biscuit with her breakfast. Took about an hour for it to hit her. Once you cut out gluten from your diet, just a small amount of wheat product will cause discomfort.
I have a friend like that. She's non-Celiac, but extremely sensitive to gluten. Her stomach issues improved by cutting it out, but you're absolutely right: she's in pure hell if she has even a little bit of it now.