Jump to content
  • 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.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - catnapt posted a topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      0

      anyone here diagnosed with a PARAthyroid disorder? (NOT the thyroid) the calcium controlling glands

    2. - catnapt replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      6

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

    3. - Jmartes71 posted a topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      0

      Curious question

    4. - Amy Barnett posted a topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      0

      Question

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,322
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    avery144
    Newest Member
    avery144
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):
  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • catnapt
      learned I had a high PTH level in 2022 suspected to be due to low vit D  got my vit D level up a bit but still have high PTH   I am 70 yrs old (today in fact) I am looking for someone who also has hyperparathyroidism that might be caused by malabsorption    
    • catnapt
      I am on day 13 of eating gluten  and have decided to have the celiac panel done tomorrow instead of Wed. (and instead of extending it a few more weeks) because I am SO incredibly sick. I have almost no appetite and am not able to consume the required daily intake of calcium to try to keep up with the loss of calcium from the high parathyroid hormone and/or the renal calcium leak.    I have spent the past 15 years working hard to improve my health. I lost 50lbs, got off handfuls of medications, lowered my cholesterol to enviable levels, and in spite of having end stage osteoarthritis in both knees, with a good diet and keeping active I have NO pain in those joints- til now.  Almost all of my joints hurt now I feel like someone has repeatedly punched me all over my torso- even my ribs hurt- I have nausea, gas, bloating, headache, mood swings, irritability, horrid flatulence (afraid to leave the house or be in any enclosed spaces with other people- the smell would knock them off their feet) I was so sure that I wanted a firm diagnosis but now- I'm asking myself is THIS worth it? esp over the past 2 yrs I have been feeling better and better the more I adjusted my diet to exclude highly refined grains and processed foods. I didn't purposely avoid gluten, but it just happened that not eating gluten has made me feel better.   I don't know what I would have to gain by getting a definitive diagnosis. I think possibly the only advantage to a DX would be that I could insist on gluten-free foods in settings where I am unable to have access to foods of my choice (hospital, rehab, nursing home)  and maybe having a medical reason to see a dietician?   please let me know if it's reasonable to just go back to the way I was eating.  Actually I do plan to buy certified gluten-free oats as that is the only grain I consume (and really like) so there will be some minor tweaks I hope and pray that I heal quickly from any possible damage that may have been done from 13 days of eating gluten.    
    • Jmartes71
      So I've been dealing with chasing the name celiac because of my body actively dealing with health issues related to celiac though not eating. Diagnosed in 1994 before foods eliminated from diet. After 25 years with former pcp I googled celiac specialist and she wasn't because of what ive been through. I wanted my results to be sent to my pcp but nothing was sent.I have email copies.I did one zoom call with np with team member from celiac specialist in Nov 2025 and she asked me why I wanted to know why I wanted the celiac diagnosis so bad, I sad I don't, its my life and I need revalidaion because its affecting me.KB stated well it shows you are.I asked then why am I going through all this.I was labeled unruly. Its been a celiac circus and medical has caused anxiety and depression no fault to my own other than being born with bad genetics. How is it legal for medical professionals to gaslight patients that are with an ailment coming for help to be downplayed? KB put in my records that she personally spent 120min with me and I think the zoom call was discussing celiac 80 min ONE ZOOM call.SHE is responsible for not explaining to my pcp about celiac disease am I right?
    • Amy Barnett
      What is the best liquid multivitamin for celiac disease?
    • Jmartes71
      I've noticed with my age and menopause my smell for bread gives me severe migraines and I know this.Its alarming that there are all these fabulous bakeries, sandwich places pizza places popping up in confined areas.Just the other day I suffered a migraine after I got done with my mri when a guy with a brown paper bag walk in front of me and I smelled that fresh dough bread with tuna, I got a migraine when we got home.I hate im that sensitive. Its alarming these places are popping up in airports as well.I just saw on the news that the airport ( can't remember which  one)was going to have a fabulous smelling bakery. Not for sensitive celiacs, this can alter their health during their travel which isn't safe. More awareness really NEEDS to be promoted, so much more than just a food consumption!FYI I did write to Stanislaus to let them know my thoughts on the medical field not knowing much about celiac and how it affects one.I also did message my gi the 3 specialist names that was given on previous post on questions on celiac. I pray its not on deaf door.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.