Does celiac disease cause a large distended belly in a child?

Possible: Untreated celiac disease can definitely cause abdominal pain, distension and diarrhea, as well as failure to thrive. These symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks of a strict gluten free diet (meaning full adherence, no exceptions). If they don't additional diagnoses should be sought.

Possibly: A child with celiac disease who eats gluten might have a large distended belly among other symptoms. Strictly avoiding gluten would cure this symptom. However, there are other conditions that can cuase a large distended belly as well. It would be wise to have your child examined by a doctor. For more on celiac see http://www.Celiac.Com/articles/1106/1/celiac-disease-symptoms/page1.Html.