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.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,986
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Christine1
    Newest Member
    Christine1
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch--thanks for the tip about Dupixent, and I've added it to the article:  
    • Scott Adams
      I just want to clarify that what I posted is a category of research summaries we've done over the years, and nearly each one shows that there is definitely a connection to celiac disease and migraine headaches. The latest study said: "the study did indicate some potential causal associations between celiac disease and migraine with or without aura, as well as between migraine without aura and ulcerative colitis...this study did not find evidence of a shared genetic basis..." Anyway, there is definitely a connection, and you can go through more of the articles here if you're interested: https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/celiac-disease-amp-related-diseases-and-disorders/migraine-headaches-and-celiac-disease/
    • SusanJ
      Two months ago, I started taking Dupixent for dermatitis herpetiformis and it has completely cleared it up. I can't believe it! I have had a terrible painful, intensely itchy rash for over a year despite going fully gluten-free. See if your doctor will prescribe Dupixent. It can be expensive but I am getting it free. When the dermatitis herpetiformis was bad I could not do anything. I just lay in bed covered in ice packs to ease the pain/itching and using way too Clobetasol. Dapsone is also very good for dermatitis herpetiformis (and it is generic). It helped me and the results were immediate but it gave me severe anemia so the Dupixent is better for me. Not sure if it works for everyone. I cannot help with the cause of your stress but from experience I am sure the severe stress is making the celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis worse. Very difficult for you with having children to care for and you being so sick. Would this man be willing to see a family therapist with you? He may be angry at you or imagine that your illness is a psychosomatic excuse not to take care of him. A therapist might help even if he won't go with you. Also do you have any family that you could move in with (with the kids) for a short time to get away? A break may be good for you both.
    • knitty kitty
      @tiffanygosci, Thiamine deficiency is a thing in pregnancy for "normal" people, so it's exponentially more important for those with celiac disease and malabsorption issues. I studied nutrition before earning a degree in Microbiology because I was curious what the vitamins were doing inside the body.  See my blog.  Click on my name to go to my page, scroll to drop down menu "activities" and select blog.   So glad you're motivated to see the dietician!  We're always happy to help with questions.  Keep us posted on your progress! 
    • tiffanygosci
      Thank you for sharing all of this, Knitty Kitty! I did just want someone to share some commonality with. I did not know This one Deficiency was a thing and that it's common for Celiac Disease. It makes sense since this is a disorder that causes malabsorption. I will have to keep this in mind for my next appointments. You also just spurred me on to make that Dietician appointment. There's a lot of information online but I do need to see a professional. There is too much to juggle on my own with this condition.<3
×
×
  • 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.