Stomach bloating connected to a gluten sensitivity?

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi, I have been doing a lot of research trying to find out information on gluten intolerance and after doing so, I have found that I identify with at least 10 of the common symptoms related to being gluten intolerant. So, as an experiment I have gone gluten free for 7 days now and I am already feeling a lot better. I ca definitely tell a difference. However, one of the main reasons I began to research gluten intolerance was because I have dealt with stomach bloating all my life. After I eat, my stomach swells so much that I look pregnant and it stays all day. I have noticed that it has not bloated as much from being of gluten for 7 days, but it still does a little bit. My question is, is it normal to have a little bloating after you eat? Is there a way to go through my day without having to experience bloating? and If it is a gluten intolerance, how long will it take to see the affects of not being bloated anymore? Thanks for your time.

Dear Laina: It is indeed impressive and the credit goes to you for identifying and working towards treating you problem. Gluten Sensititvity is usually known as Celiac disease and is characterized by extreme sensitivity to gluten containing foods like barley, rye, oats and wheat. Typically it is more common in women and typically is characterised by symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, bloating after eating, anemia, skin issues. Many of these symptoms are due to malabsorption due to the gluten sensitivity and destruction of the inner lining of he small bowel. The bloating is a sign of this condition and thus will gradually reduce as you follow through with your gluten free diet.  In the event of worsening of symptoms it may mean that we will have to consider other diseasaes and thus you will need to see your family physician .All the best.