Why does coeliac disease cause abdominal pain?

In coeliac disease, eating gluten causes the immune system to react in the small intestine. The inflamed lining may not absorb nutrients normally and can become sensitive to digestion and movement of food. This can produce cramping, a burning or aching feeling, or discomfort that varies with meals and bowel habits.

Abdominal Pain is a common presentation of Coeliac Disease. It is not specific to coeliac disease: constipation, infection, urinary problems, menstrual conditions, and many digestive disorders can also cause abdominal pain.

If coeliac disease is suspected, arrange medical assessment before starting a gluten-free diet. Removing gluten too early can affect testing and make the diagnosis harder to confirm. A clinician can advise on the appropriate blood tests, whether further tests are needed, and how to manage diet after diagnosis.

Record the location of pain, its relation to food and bowel movements, stool changes, weight change, tiredness, and any rash. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, since this helps place abdominal symptoms in context.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, a rigid abdomen, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, fainting, chest pain, or inability to keep fluids down. Contact a clinician promptly for persistent pain, unexplained weight loss, ongoing diarrhoea, fever, or pain that wakes you from sleep.

Should I be tested for coeliac disease before changing my diet? What other causes of my pain should be considered? If coeliac disease is confirmed, how can I get support to follow a nutritionally complete gluten-free diet?