Tuesday, March 26, 2024
HomeCauseCan Food Allergies Cause Acid Reflux

Can Food Allergies Cause Acid Reflux

Your Childs Allergies Could Be Caused By Acid Reflux

Can food allergy play a role in acid reflux?

Lots of kids and adults alike find themselves sniffling and blowing their nose more often this time of year due to seasonal allergies. But sometimes, these symptoms may be caused by something else entirely, according to a doctor at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

Dr. Karen Zur, an ear, nose and throat specialist at CHOP, said a form of acid reflux can be responsible for a host of respiratory ailments, including allergies, that are often misdiagnosed. Zur co-authored a new book that calls attention to this kind of respiratory reflux in children and recommends a low-acid diet to clear up the breathing problems that can result from it.

Many people think of acid reflux as synonymous with heartburn. But the acidic content of our stomachs can be spewed up past the esophagus and higher up into the respiratory system without causing that familiar burning sensation. This is sometimes called silent reflux, and Zur said children who have it have often already been diagnosed with another condition.

After a thorough history from them and an examination, you can determine that maybe its not allergies, maybe they dont need to be on all these medicines, maybe we need to address some of their eating habits, Zur said.

She wants more doctors to become aware that acid reflux can be implicated in respiratory issues, and she recommends they give careful consideration to what their pediatric patients eat.

How Did I Find Out It Was Food Related

At 3 months of age, our paed suggested food issues causing gastric reflux and we tried him on Neocate, an elemental formula only available on prescription that has all the proteins broken down already. He happily took it and improved substantially for about 24 hours. However, since the effect did not last, we were told to give up on that and try sleep school. We also failed sleep school. The only way they could get him to sleep was on his tummy and they advised against doing this for SIDS reasons.

We found out much later that the reason for the Neocate not working properly was because of withdrawal effects as well as the fact he had a urinary tract infection at the time.

At around 7 months of age, a Maternal and Child Health Nurse suggested that the problems could be related to an allergy or intolerance. So, I decided put myself on astrict elimination diet and after a few weeks, we finally we started to have some improvement. Unfortunately though, I could not even have the smallest amount of carrot or pumpkin or anything that allowed me to challenge foods for him and so after a stint in hospital for dehydration, we managed to get him back on to the elemental formula Neocate.

It was after he finally started to settle on the formula, that he started to smile regularly. He never screamed, but he was never actually happy until he started to feel better. We knew then we were definitely on the right track.

Other Supplements And Nutraceuticals That Can Be Helpful

Besides the above, other supplements that may help are digestive bittersI like Better Bitters by Herb Pharm. In short, they support digestive function by stimulating the bitter receptors on the tongue, stomach, gallbladder, and pancreas. This promotes stomach acid, bile, and enzymes to break down our food and helps us gain the maximum absorption of nutrients from what were eating. Drinking diluted, organic apple cider vinegar to help block the absorption of starch that promotes yeast overgrowth. Adding fennel seeds and soothing herbs, like ginger to the diet can also be helpful. Additionally, regular use of Sinus Defense can help to dampen the extreme immune response to mold which causes the reflux issues in the first place. CitriDrops Dietary Supplement also can be used as it has a bitter taste effect as well as the ability to kill both yeast and parasites. CitriDrops should be distilled in spring water4-8 drops per 4 ounces of waterbefore drinking. I also have seen wonderful results for patients using a prescription, high-potency probiotic like VSL #3 or Extra Strength Visbiome. These replenish critical gut flora that maintains immune and digestive function.

Read Also: How To Give Allergy Shots

Better Support For Parents

Harry has just turned three. It is still a fine balance to keep his gut stable, but its much more manageable and were now receiving the right care.

My heart goes out to any parent trying to make their way through this battle.

Much more needs to be done to raise awareness of the condition so that families at the brink of despair are not dismissed, but helped to get the right treatment and the support they so desperately need.

Treating Acid Reflux Disease

What Causes Acid Reflux?

If your doctor has diagnosed you with acid reflux disease, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms on your own. Small lifestyle changes, such as avoiding food or beverages that trigger acid reflux, can help keep you comfortable. Other steps you can take may be:

  • Starting a weight loss program if you are overweight
  • Sleeping in a chair or upright position for naps
  • Raising the head of your bed 4-6 inches with blocks
  • Eating smaller meals, and eating more frequently throughout the day
  • Quitting smoking
  • Refraining from eating for 2-3 hours before bed

You should also discuss with your doctor if any medications may be causing your condition. They may also have suggestions about steps to take to manage your acid reflux, and can recommend the best course of treatment. Your doctor might decide to recommend medication for you. These medications work to control acid reflux through a number of methods, and include:

  • H2 Blockers, such as Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac. These decrease acid production.
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors, such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex, and Nexium. These reduce acid production as well.
  • Foaming agents, such as Gavascon. These coat your stomach to prevent reflux.
  • Prokinetics, such as Reglan and Urecholine. These help strengthen the LES, empty your stomach faster, and reduce the amount of acid produced.
  • Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, or Riopan. These neutralize stomach acid.

You May Like: Can Allergies Cause Scratchy Throat

What If Symptom Persist

If your symptoms persist, work the list above and consult a good general laparoscopic surgeon who specializes in esophageal issues who does use the LINX surgery. Be sure to get a good esophageal endoscopic exam, or consult a skilled Gastroenterologist doctor who does functional medicine.

Was this article helpful or informative? We hope so. Please write to us below with any comments or questions. You can also email us at .

Environmental Triggers Symptoms And Interventions For Acid Reflux

by Dr. Donald Dennis, MD

With 60% of Americans reportedly experiencing acid reflux once in a while and 20% experiencing reflux on a routine basis, it is safe to say that most people are familiar with the discomfort and pain this condition can bring. There are even another 50% of patients with diagnosable reflux that have no symptoms at all. Thus, the damage is occurring on a daily basis, but nothing is being done to alleviate or fix it.

As an ENT, I often have patients who come to see about acid-related throat symptoms. The main complaint is hoarseness or soreness in the throat, but sometimes symptoms are more magnified with the patient complaining that it feels like they are having a heart attack or that they are refluxing stomach acid from the throat into their sinuses when laying in bed at night. Most of the time, the patient thinks the issue is mainly gastrointestinal but doesnt know the cause or why basic interventions like taking antacids or OTC acid reducers just havent seemed to help. Some patients have even altered their diets to exclude acidic foods or beverages in hopes of relief, but this doesnt usually move the needle for them either. What most of these patients do not realize and what I would like to illuminate with this article is that many times, acid reflux often arises and persists because mold and mycotoxins have entered the picture and disrupted the immune system and acid balance in the body.

Recommended Reading: Can You Get High Off Of Benadryl Allergy

The Signs Of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

While this immune disorder may stem from allergies, the effects it has on the esophagus are what create the telltale warning signs or EoE, which include:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Acid reflux that doesnt respond to medications
  • Food impactions
  • Nausea and vomiting

EoE affects both children and adults, including toddlers, so the symptoms may be trickier to pin down if your child is unable to articulate the problem. Instead, they may refuse to eat, which can affect their development.

Addressing Fungus Helps Resolve The Cause And Symptoms Of Reflux

Study Reveals Surprising Connection Between Acid Reflux, Allergies

Often when reflux is chronic, more than one underlying cause should be addressed for maximum results. Mold/yeast almost always accompanies mechanical causes of reflux and should always be considered, even when surgery is the best route for the patient.

Here is an example: In the patient, GERD was caused by both a mechanical hiatal hernia and yeast. After esophageal surgery, his GERD was under control, but he got off his anti-yeast diet. Then reflux recurred until yeast was under control with both diet and meds. These pictures illustrate this case:

Top left: Yeast and Stomach contents at base of the tongue before the patient was treated for yeast/Candida.

Top right: Light pink is acid burned mucosa. The mucosa has been bleached out with acid. The dark pink is indicative of current acid burn.

Bottom left: The red is acid burn on epiglottis but Candida is gone.

Bottom right: Both yeast/Candida and GERD are gone because the patient had surgery and was addressing the yeast/Candida with diet and meds.

Don’t Miss: What Are The Symptoms Of Cashew Nut Allergy

How Do I Treat Acid Reflux Or Allergies

An ideal way to treat your symptoms is to take steps to reduce acid reflux. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine. Cut out mints, chocolate, and fried or fatty foods. Try to avoid lying down for two to three hours after eating. Sleeping with your head elevated about six inches can also help prevent acid from coming up the esophagus.

If you do have acid reflux and your avoidance techniques arent working, medicines may help. Many over-the-counter medicines are available, and if they arent working your doctor could prescribe something stronger.

An allergy test will diagnose if you have allergies to pollen or other substances. Your personal medical history can help determine if you might have EoE, although further tests by a gastrointestinal doctor would be needed to confirm that diagnosis, Dr. Lewis said.

If you do have a pollen allergy, your doctor can help you come up with a treatment plan, which can include anything from avoidance to over-the-counter medicines to immunotherapy.

Remember, you may have both allergies and acid reflux, so just because youve been diagnosed with one doesnt mean you might not still need care for the other. Fortunately, CEENTAs ENT doctors can determine if you have either condition and help you get the care you need.

Is It A Food Allergy Or Acid Reflux

Think you have a food allergy? Your symptoms could be a sign of something else.

A study conducted by the U.S. government found that previous data on food allergies is significantly inaccurate, including poorly done studies and high percentages of misdiagnoses.

Only about 4 percent of the adult U.S. population has a legitimate food allergy, according to the Mayo Clinic Web site.

But, over 30 percent of Americans believe they have food allergies. This could be because more children are allergic to foods, but grow out of the allergy as they grow older. As adults, they may still assume they have the same food allergies, and avoid foods like nuts, shellfish and eggs, unknowingly for no reason.

Others misinterpret their acid reflux and gastrointestinal tract symptoms after eating certain foods to be an allergic reaction.

Dr. Anish Sheth, a gastroenterologist and author of Whats Your Poo Telling You?, said he agrees that too many people assume they have food allergies, and often sees patients who suffer from a different condition.

Much more often than not, it is a case of irritable bowel syndrome, he said. If they have vague abdominal complaints, one of the most common misconceptions is that their symptoms are a food allergy, Sheth told FoxNews.com.

In the government commissioned study, more than12,000 papers, studies and other data from 1988 to 2009 were reviewed. Only 72 of those articles met the criteria for a valid study of allergic responses.

Don’t Miss: Is September A Bad Month For Allergies

How Common Is Eoe

EoE can affect both men and woman of any age, but it appears to be most common in men in their 30s and 40s. It is currently estimated that EoE may affect up to one in 2,000 adults in the US, and evidence suggests that the numbers have been growing. A recent review of nearly 30 studies in Europe and North America found that there has been a progressive increase in the number of new EoE cases, especially since the early 2000s.

The rise in EoE cases may be partly due to greater awareness of the condition and more widespread use of endoscopy. But a number of studies have confirmed a true rise in the incidence of the disease.

Reflux Interventions That Work Best For Mold Patients

Acid Indigestion Or Heartburn Your Symptoms 20s ~ Msb

At bedtime, I recommend first and most importantly, no eating 4 hours before bedtime. I also recommend elevating the head of the bed 20-45 degrees depending on the severity of symptoms. When the body is inclined, blood and lymph will continue to circulate more, allowing more blood and oxygen to move around the body and keeping the lymph flowing more freely. Keeping blood and lymph flowing is a help to the bodys nighttime tasks of repair and toxin removal.

An additional intervention that helps is to take 1/2 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate in 3 ounces of organic aloe vera juice and a digestive enzyme, 1-2 after each meal and at bedtime. A short-acting antacid product like Pepcid and calcium Magnesium capsule can also help. Aloe Vera soothes stomach inflammation and both the sodium bicarbonate and the Calcium/Magnesium neutralize stomach acid to allow healing. Digestive enzymes digest food and move stomach contents to the small bowel. The Pepcid decreases more stomach acid production during sleep.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Peanut Allergy

Food Intolerances And Gerd

After my family and I moved to New Hampshire in 2004, a new gastroenterologist figured out what was really wrong: I had multiple food intolerances — to gluten, dairy, rice, most grains, monosodium glutamate, and cane sugar — and these had caused me to develop gastroesophageal reflux disease , which was the source of the crushing chest pains I’d had. The GERD also triggered my sinus problems.

My new doctor put me on a new diet, as well as a regimen of probiotics, antifungal medications, and vitamins. Part of me wanted to cry I felt so relieved that I wasn’t imagining all this stuff. Another part of me was totally overwhelmed by the diet he recommended I’d read about similar ones on the WebMD boards and thought they sounded way too hard.

But I tried it and now, three years later, I’m so much better. Now that my body’s not constantly fighting me, I have the energy I need to do things with my four daughters, such as taking them to after-school activities or reading to them at night. And I can walk through my life without constant stomach and sinus pressure. Without the pain, I almost feel like I’m floating. It’s a kind of euphoria.

Show Sources

What Is Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is stomach acid or bile moving up from the stomach and into the esophagus. Reflux can occur at any distance from the lower esophagus and up into the larynx , into the lungs, and even into the nose, Eustachian Tubes to ears, and sinuses when lying down. Typical acid reflux is esophagealgastroesophageal reflux disease . Laryngeal is Laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR. Bile reflux does not show up on a 24-hour acid esophageal monitor test as it is more basic in pH but still causes damage.

Recommended Reading: Can Nut Allergies Be Cured

Luxury Mice Offered First Clues

While there is still lots to do in the future to understand the link between acid-targeting drugs and allergies, Jensen-Jarolim says shes studied the connection for years.

She got her first lead around two decades ago: a middle-aged man who said he started wheezing after eating caviar for the second time, with swelling in his mouth and throat as his blood pressure dropped.

The case was striking because allergies to caviar the small, pearly black fish eggs that regularly cost more than $100 per ounce are thought to be incredibly rare. Scientists have identified only a handful of cases to date.

It was an interesting case because we, or at least some people, still know exactly when we eat caviar. And our patient knew that he ate caviar for the first time seven years before the . So, he ate it twice, and he knew that in both instances he was on anti-acid treatment.

That suggested the man had become sensitized to caviar the first time he ate it, with too little acid in his stomach to break down the food, Jensen-Jarolim said. So, that was a model case, she added, because for other foods, its not so easy to single out the co-factors that occur.

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular