Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Can Bloating Lead To Rib Pain And Inflamation?


stillight

Recommended Posts

stillight Rookie

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!


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



masterjen Explorer

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

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

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

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

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!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      129,910
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    IrishGal83
    Newest Member
    IrishGal83
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.3k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      @ehb   Great you're going to start the AIP diet!  I know it's scary and stressful, but you'll soon start feeling better.  It's a challenge, but you can make it.  Do ask for a Erythrocyte Transketolace test which tests for Thiamine level.   I hope your Vitamin D level is between 70 and 100 nmol/L.  In this optimal range, Vitamin D can act like a hormone and regulate the immune system.  Vitamin D 3 is the form that the body can utilize well.  I was prescribed the synthetic firm D2 and my body didn't like it.  I know getting my Vitamin D up in the eighties made a world of difference to me.  My depression improved and I felt so much better at higher levels.   I prefer Life Extension brand for many vitamins.  The important thing is to read the label and watch out for fillers like rice flour.  This may help. Keep us posted on your progress!  
    • ehb
      @knitty kitty I have an appointment to go over the results tomorrow. Vitamin D was in the normal range. I’ve decided to start the gluten contamination elimination diet, while avoiding nightshades as recommended by the AIP. I am still hoping to get support from a nutritionist or advice from the doctor about supplements to make sure I’m getting enough nutrients. I’m still having a hard time sorting through all of the different brands and possible combinations
    • cristiana
      We've definitely all had such thoughts.  But as Scott says, it does get easier with time.  I'm not sure where you are posting from but in England where I live, over the last ten years or so most things I missed at first now have gluten free substitutes.   I still miss Twix bars, and chocolate Penguins (a type of biscuit) but I'm hoping sooner or later someone will create a decent substitute for them! One thing that I remember my husband said to me when I was feeling down one day  was: "Why don't you try to think of all the things you can still eat, rather than the things you can't?"  The list is long, and it did help - sort of!  
    • Scott Adams
      It looks like they are naturally gluten-free, but not labeled gluten-free. https://www.quakeroats.com/products/hot-cereals/grits/instant-grits-plain
    • Scott Adams
      I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way—your emotions are completely valid. A celiac diagnosis, especially at your age, is a huge adjustment, and it’s okay to grieve the foods and conveniences you’ve lost. Even with a supportive partner (which is wonderful!), the mental toll is real. Many of us have been there, staring longingly at ‘forbidden’ foods while feeling isolated or frustrated. It does get easier with time, though. The initial shock fades, gluten-free substitutes become more familiar, and you’ll find new favorites. But please be gentle with yourself now. If the sadness feels overwhelming, talking to a therapist or joining a celiac support group (online or in-person) might help. You’re not alone in this—we’ve all had those ‘why me?’ moments. Sending hugs (and solidarity) your way.
×
×
  • Create New...