I am 25, female with GERD. Am I allergic to dairy and bread?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 25-year-old woman who has been managing 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 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.

Kindly answer my following questions:

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?

Please help me.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Carbohydrates can worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. GERD is a chronic digestive condition that occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. It can cause heartburn, regurgitation, and other symptoms. Also, you could be lactose intolerant. There is no test for food allergies except a patch test for skin allergies. I suggest the following for you.

Consult a gastroenterologist.
Avoid food that makes symptoms worse.
Do upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Test stool for Helicobacter pylori.
Avoid late-night eating.
Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Avoid coffee, chocolate, and fizzy drinks.
Elevate the head while sleeping with two pillows.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.