Indications You May Have Celiac Disease

Excessive Gas

Around twenty-eight percent of all celiac disease patients report experiencing excessive gas. This excessive gas can cause the individual to feel bloated and experience severe abdominal cramping. Celiac disease patients have difficulty digesting fats and carbohydrates in their small intestine. The food moves through the small intestine and these nutrients are not absorbed, bacteria that live in the small intestine begin to eat it instead. The process of bacteria consumption of these materials produces gaseous byproducts in the intestine. This mechanism can cause the bacteria in the intestine to overgrow, resulting in more gas secretions, further inflammation, and infection. Individuals who have celiac disease are also typically unable to absorb lactose. When the intestinal bacteria ferment in this unabsorbed lactose, a gaseous byproduct is formed. This type of gas can manifest as hydrogen secretions in the affected individual's breath.

Keratosis Pilaris

Also known as chicken skin, keratosis pilaris is a condition characterized by small, red bumps on the back of the arms, thigh, cheeks, and buttocks. Typically, these bumps are harmless and are not itchy, though they can be. This condition is caused by a buildup of keratin, which is a protein responsible for protecting the individual's skin from infection and harmful substances. While the reason for this buildup is unknown, it often appears alongside other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and eczema. Dry skin can also exacerbate it. While more research is required to directly link keratosis pilaris to celiac disease, the indirect connection through skin conditions like eczema is clear. More patients with keratosis pilaris and eczema have celiac disease than healthy individuals.