I have Celiac Disease, and I’m very careful about what I eat. But last night, after eating gluten-free bread and crackers, my belly became distended and as hard as rock. I was in so much pain last night. I’m a bit better today, but after eating only a totally washed and clean salad with no dressing, the exact same thing happened to me again. I’ve had ovarian cancer and am sensitive to any increase in abdominal size as a sign of recurrence.
Does this sound like a typical celiac reaction to bread and crackers that might not have been completely gluten-free or is it something else?
Thank you for your inquiry and for being present for your loved one. I’m just sorry it’s taken me a while to respond because of my sister’s visit.
Firstly, while I think the chances of this being ovarian cancer may be slim, I do advise you to take her as soon as possible to urgent care and be seen.
Secondly, you are correct. Some items that one would expect to be gluten free, such as Oatmeal that has no intrinsic gluten, might become contaminated if the product has been cut on the same machine that had previously processed wheat or other gluten-containing substances. Therefore, the labels might not specify gluten as being present in the final product since the ingredients arrive form multiple supply sources that are not always inspected by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, this may result in someone ingesting gluten, despite meticiously inspecting the label of the product.
Pain is one symptom of Celiac Disease. In some individuals, ingestion of gluten might increase the amount of gases in the intestines, causing some distention of the abdomen as well as pain.
The change in size of her abdomen should be investigated prior to an air flight. Gases tend to increase in size with elevation and might cause excruciating pain as the intestines are stretched.
Please let me know how it goes. And feel free to contact me at the phone number on my business card.
This is an informational site and no medical advice is being offered.
Sincerely,
Madhup Joshi, MD