- posted: Jan. 30, 2026
Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit us at North Jersey Gastroenterology in Wayne. While many people associate stomach aches with temporary issues like indigestion or a virus, persistent pain can sometimes be caused by an autoimmune response to gluten. If you are struggling with chronic discomfort, it may be time to discuss the possibility of celiac disease with a specialist.
The Connection Between Gluten and Abdominal Pain
Celiac disease is a condition in which the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, leads to damage in the small intestine. When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the villi, which are small, finger-like projections that line the small intestine and promote nutrient absorption.
The resulting inflammation and damage often manifest as significant abdominal pain. This pain may feel like:
- Sharp cramping or "knotting" in the stomach area.
- Intense bloating and pressure shortly after eating.
- Chronic gas and indigestion.
- General tenderness in the midsection.
Beyond the Stomach: Recognizing Other Symptoms
Abdominal pain rarely travels alone in cases of celiac disease. Because the damage to the small intestine interferes with nutrient absorption, patients at our Wayne, New Jersey, office often report secondary symptoms such as chronic fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or persistent diarrhea. In some cases, the condition can even lead to iron-deficiency anemia or bone density issues due to malabsorption.
How a Gastroenterologist Diagnoses Celiac Disease
If you suspect your abdominal pain is linked to gluten, it is vital to see a gastroenterologist before you attempt to remove gluten from your diet. Eliminating gluten prematurely can actually interfere with the accuracy of diagnostic tests.
At North Jersey Gastroenterology, we use a multi-step approach to confirm a diagnosis:
- Blood Screening: We look for specific antibodies that indicate an immune reaction to gluten.
- Endoscopy and Biopsy: If blood tests are positive, we perform a minimally invasive upper endoscopy. This allows us to visualize the lining of the small intestine and take a small tissue sample to confirm if the villi are damaged.
Managing Your Health
The only effective treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. However, our role as your gastroenterology team doesn't end with a diagnosis. We provide ongoing monitoring to ensure your intestines are healing, check for nutritional deficiencies, and help you manage any lingering abdominal pain as your body recovers.
If you are tired of living with unexplained abdominal pain, let’s find the answer together. Schedule your consultation at our Wayne, NJ, office by calling 973-633-1484.
- posted: Jan. 30, 2026
Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit us at North Jersey Gastroenterology in Wayne. While many people associate stomach aches with temporary issues like indigestion or a virus, persistent pain can sometimes be caused by an autoimmune response to gluten. If you are struggling with chronic discomfort, it may be time to discuss the possibility of celiac disease with a specialist.
The Connection Between Gluten and Abdominal Pain
Celiac disease is a condition in which the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, leads to damage in the small intestine. When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the villi, which are small, finger-like projections that line the small intestine and promote nutrient absorption.
The resulting inflammation and damage often manifest as significant abdominal pain. This pain may feel like:
- Sharp cramping or "knotting" in the stomach area.
- Intense bloating and pressure shortly after eating.
- Chronic gas and indigestion.
- General tenderness in the midsection.
Beyond the Stomach: Recognizing Other Symptoms
Abdominal pain rarely travels alone in cases of celiac disease. Because the damage to the small intestine interferes with nutrient absorption, patients at our Wayne, New Jersey, office often report secondary symptoms such as chronic fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or persistent diarrhea. In some cases, the condition can even lead to iron-deficiency anemia or bone density issues due to malabsorption.
How a Gastroenterologist Diagnoses Celiac Disease
If you suspect your abdominal pain is linked to gluten, it is vital to see a gastroenterologist before you attempt to remove gluten from your diet. Eliminating gluten prematurely can actually interfere with the accuracy of diagnostic tests.
At North Jersey Gastroenterology, we use a multi-step approach to confirm a diagnosis:
- Blood Screening: We look for specific antibodies that indicate an immune reaction to gluten.
- Endoscopy and Biopsy: If blood tests are positive, we perform a minimally invasive upper endoscopy. This allows us to visualize the lining of the small intestine and take a small tissue sample to confirm if the villi are damaged.
Managing Your Health
The only effective treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. However, our role as your gastroenterology team doesn't end with a diagnosis. We provide ongoing monitoring to ensure your intestines are healing, check for nutritional deficiencies, and help you manage any lingering abdominal pain as your body recovers.
If you are tired of living with unexplained abdominal pain, let’s find the answer together. Schedule your consultation at our Wayne, NJ, office by calling 973-633-1484.