Subtle Signs Your Body Might Be Reacting Badly to Gluten

15. Aerophagia

Aerophagia is when an individual compulsively swallows a lot of air. In this condition, so much air is swallowed that it leads to bloating and other uncomfortable symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract such as belching, flatulence, and a distended abdomen. Swallowing air is clearly a cause of too much air in an individual's stomach, and it can contribute to the already unpleasant symptoms experienced by those dealing with gluten intolerance. Most of the air pulled into the stomach is released through belching, while the rest of it is either absorbed by the small intestines or released through the anus. Doctors are not sure why individuals who are gluten intolerant also swallow a lot of air when they eat.

16. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another sign that might point to gluten intolerance. It occurs when the sphincter that closes off the esophagus from the stomach does not close all the way. Because of this, what's in the stomach can reflux back into the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the stomach to the mouth. The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease are heartburn, and sometimes patients can taste the acid of the stomach juices at the back of their mouth. Some affected individuals do not have heartburn with GERD, but experience an unproductive cough and trouble swallowing. They may even have asthma symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux disease can be a consequence of the inflammation that occurs when the body attacks the gluten protein.