What condition is suggested for a 14-year-old experiencing bloating and stomach upset with symptom exacerbation after gluten-rich foods?

The symptoms described in the scenario—a 14-year-old experiencing bloating and stomach upset that worsens after consuming gluten-rich foods—are indicative of celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine when gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is ingested.

In individuals with celiac disease, the ingestion of gluten leads to an inappropriate immune response, causing inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining. This can result in gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. The key aspect here is the relationship between symptom flare-ups and the intake of gluten-containing foods, which aligns perfectly with the pathophysiology of celiac disease.

The other conditions listed could present with some gastrointestinal symptoms but do not specifically correlate with the reaction to gluten. Amebiasis is a parasitic infection that typically involves dysentery rather than bloating related to food intake. Malabsorption can occur due to various reasons, including infections, pancreatic or liver diseases, but is not specifically tied to gluten. Crohn's colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that could indeed cause abdominal pain and bloating; however, it does not present this clear association with gluten intake that celiac disease does.