Stomach bloating: How to know when your bloating is a symptom of a serious condition

Stomach bloating happens when too much gas fills up in the gastrointestinal tract. This often results in a stretchy, puffy sensation in the tummy and painful abdominal cramps. The feeling of bloating often goes away in time and is not always a cause for concern, but sometimes bloating could be a warning sign of celiac disease. Celiac (or coeliac) disease can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, which may result in bloating as well as many other adverse digestive issues. One study of 1,032 adults with celiac disease found that bloating was one of the most common symptoms. In fact, 73 per cent of people reported feeling bloated prior to being diagnosed with the condition. 

Coeliac symptoms ranges from people who are very sick to people who are asymptomatic

Doctor Peter Green

People with have celiac disease often experience cramps or an unpleasant feeling of fullness after eating.

This feeling of dispensation can sometimes be relieved by passing gas, but not always.

Doctor Peter Green, director of the Celiac Disease Centre at Columbia University in New York said: “Coeliac symptoms ranges from people who are very sick to people who are asymptomatic.”

What are the main symptoms that your bloating could be celiac disease?

Diarrhoea

Although people often think of diarrhoea as watery stool, people with coeliac disease sometimes simply have stools that are a lot looser than usual and more frequent.

Experiencing diarrhoea after eating is usually associated with celiac disease.

Fatigue

There are a host of medical problems that cause fatigue and having celiac disease is one of them.

Tingling

If you experience tingling in the hands or feet it could be a symptom of celiac disease. The sensation is evidence of a nerve condition known as peripheral neuropathy.

Mouth sores

Seeing whitish sores that appear on the lips, as cold sores typically do, or on the insides of the cheeks or on the tongue could be a sign of celiac.

Rash

Having an itchy rash with blisters affects many people with celiac disease.

The rash can appear anywhere but is especially common on the elbows, knees, and scalp, according to Doctor Green.

Celiac disease is a lifelong condition that has no cure. However, people with this condition can manage their symptoms effectively by adhering to a strict gluten-free diet.

This means that any products containing wheat, barley, rye or spelt must be eliminated, including any foods that may have been cross-contaminated, such as oats, unless they’re labeled as gluten-free.

Foods to avoid include pasta, bread, cakes, pies, crackers, cookies, beer, dressings and gravies.

The NHS added: “There’s no cure for coeliac disease, but switching to a gluten-free diet should help control symptoms and prevent the long-term consequences of the condition.

“Even if you have non-existent or mild symptoms, changing your diet is still recommended because continuing to eat gluten can lead to serious complications.”

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