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How to manage GERD caused by dairy products in a female?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 25-year-old woman and managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for several years, but recently I have noticed a pattern with my symptoms. Severe bloating, heartburn, and abdominal discomfort often occur after eating foods like bread, pasta, and dairy. This has made me wonder if I might have an underlying food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity, that is interacting with my GERD. Could these reactions point to a food allergy or sensitivity? What diagnostic steps, such as an elimination diet, food allergy testing, or other screenings, would you recommend to pinpoint the cause of my symptoms and develop a comprehensive treatment plan?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni is an experienced Family Physician with 11 years of clinical expertise, dedicated to delivering comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. She earned her MBBS from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, in 2013. Having provided care to over 1,000 patients, Dr. Sanni is known for her compassionate approach and commitment to personalized family medicine. Her focus on holistic health and preventive care has established her as a trusted and respected healthcare professional within the community.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

The symptoms look more like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) than food allergy or lactose intolerance. Do you have the passage of watery stool or vomiting after eating bread, pasta, or dairy? Also, some diaries are safe for people who are lactose intolerant.

I suggest you to do the following:

  1. To know about the allergies and avoid them.

  2. Patch tests can be done in cases of skin allergies.

The symptoms that you have are majorly GERD.

I advise you to do the following. These include:

  1. Elevate the head of the bed with 2 pillows.

  2. Eat three hours before sleeping.

  3. Eat in small portions.

  4. Avoid smoking and alcohol.

  5. Try and lose weight if overweight.

  6. Oral tablet Omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor) 20 mg daily for six months.

  7. Antacid on an as-needed basis can be given.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At January 25, 2025
Reviewed At July 1, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni is an experienced Family Physician with 11 years of clinical expertise, dedicated to delivering comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. She earned her MBBS from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, in 2013. Having provided care to over 1,000 patients, Dr. Sanni is known for her compassionate approach and commitment to personalized family medicine. Her focus on holistic health and preventive care has established her as a trusted and respected healthcare professional within the community.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni is an experienced Family Physician with 11 years of clinical expertise, dedicated to delivering comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. She earned her MBBS from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, in 2013. Having provided care to over 1,000 patients, Dr. Sanni is known for her compassionate approach and commitment to personalized family medicine. Her focus on holistic health and preventive care has established her as a trusted and respected healthcare professional within the community.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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