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Can Bloating Lead To Rib Pain And Inflamation?

stillight

By stillight
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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stillight Rookie
stillight
Posted

So I have been gluten free for about 2 months now and I have seen some major improvements. One of the big things is that I had been very bloated on the left side for months. My ribs on the left side actually become about 15% wider than the ribs on my right. Since I have been gluten free my bloating has gone down and my ribs are the same size.

The problem is that I now have this flap of cartilage (my doctor said it was cartilage) or something that sticks out in varying amounts throughout the dayfrom the area around my 10th rib. This does cause pain and tightness in my left side and I can feel that the muscles in that area are also sore. This problem seems to get gradually better, only to come back full force after I have been glutened or if I exercise the muscles around that area.

IS this somethign anyone else has experienced? Can bloating really cause structural damage to the ribs? If anyone has any advice that would be great too!

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masterjen Explorer
masterjen
Posted

Hi,

I was diagnosed just over a month ago, and I also have a lot of rib discomfort (mild pain, and moderate pressure and heaviness). I used to have significant bloating problems, but very little now. I have not had any distortion in how the ribs look, however. The GI specialist I see says rib discomfort like this is not typical of celiac, and is sending me for a CT to investigate for possible liver and pancreas problems: maybe this would be helpful in your case as well??

wjp Newbie
wjp
Posted

Gluten Free for about 2 months and I also have a pain on my back - right side around the bottom of my rib cage. Would love to know results of any testing anyone else has had for this. Had this pain right before going gluten free but seem to have it more often and more intense. Has anyone experienced this before? Have not gone to doctor for it but may soon. Thanks for any replys.

  • 5 months later...
SaraKat Contributor
SaraKat
Posted

I have this exact problem and I was told it was "costochondritis". My left lower ribs stick out and it feels like there is a lump on the lower rib. It is very painful and hurts to lay on my left side and stomach. I have had XRAY's, CT scan, and Ultrasounds and nothing shows up. I was randomly dx'd with celiac 2 weeks ago because I went to a rheum for this rib pain. I don't have any of the classic celiac symptoms. I am hoping this rib issue is connected though. I have not started the gluten-free diet yet since I have my endoscopy Tues. I can't wait to start it and see if I feel better.

Do you hve any updates on your condition?

Charlie's Girl Apprentice
Charlie's Girl
Posted

Rib cage pain was one of my symptoms before I went gluten free. It has since disappeared only to return after accidental glutenings. Don't miss it at all. :D

  • 1 year later...
Now What? Newbie
Now What?
Posted

Gluten Free for about 2 months and I also have a pain on my back - right side around the bottom of my rib cage. Would love to know results of any testing anyone else has had for this. Had this pain right before going gluten free but seem to have it more often and more intense. Has anyone experienced this before? Have not gone to doctor for it but may soon. Thanks for any replys.

Hi WJP,

Same experience here,

Slight pain right side, and after going gluten-free, the pain increased and still remains some 5 weeks on diet!

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