Milk Allergy and Acid Reflux Disease
Several studies have been conducted to link food allergies and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD.) A large percentage of studies were based on information gathered from pediatric patients suffering from both GERD and milk allergies. It is important to understand GERD, its symptoms, effects on the body, and treatment options. Recognizing food allergies and the body's natural defense mechanisms are also essential.
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What is GERD
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GERD is a disorder of the tube linking the mouth and stomach. This tube, the esophagus, has a set of muscular rings at its base called the lower esophageal sphincter. These rings help keep stomach contents contained within the stomach. When the sphincter is weak or damaged, stomach contents and digestive acids can flow back up the esophagus, causing pain and irritation. Many people suffering from GERD feel a burning sensation in the chest that moves up the esophagus. Stomach contents may re-enter the mouth and leave an unpleasant taste. Some patients may have difficulty sleeping and experience coughing when reclining. Physicians may suggest antacids to decrease stomach acid, or a write a prescription for drugs that inhibit the acid pumps in the stomach.
Symptoms of a Milk Allergy
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Although food allergies in the United States seem to be on the rise, the reason is unclear. Because there is no cure for food allergies, the only treatment is strict avoidance of the food in question. The body's immune system attacks allergens as it does any foreign invader. Releasing a series of chemical responses, histamine is unleashed within the body and can attack one or several systems, including the skin, digestive tract, and respiratory system. This can cause itching, burning, or blistering of the skin, cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea, if the digestive tract is involved, or swelling, and tingling of the lips, face, tongue, and airway. Life-threatening reactions, including swelling, are known as anaphylaxis.
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Where is the Link?
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Information gathered by interviewing mothers with infant children was included in a study to see if a link existed between GERD and milk allergies. The study was reviewed in 1999 and found infants suffering from frequent vomiting and colic-like behaviors were not responsive to medication prescribed for reflux. These same infants began to show signs of improvement when the formula they were being fed was changed to an elemental amino acid-based formula. When soy or milk based formulas were re-introduced to these babies, the GERD symptoms returned.
Research Continues
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Another study examined children less than one year of age suffering from GERD symptoms. In half of the patients, an Immunoglobulin E blood test indicated a milk allergy. For children placed on a milk-free diet, twenty percent had improved GERD symptoms. When milk proteins were reintroduced to the infants' diets, seven out of ten of these children began to suffer from GERD again. The official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatrics in Review, found this evidence may suggest a link between milk allergies and GERD.
Conclusion
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Although research indicated a link between these two conditions, conclusive evidence has yet to be collected. However, if a patient is suffering from GERD symptoms, and is not responding to typical treatment, it may be beneficial to conduct allergy testing. If a milk allergy is present, removing the allergen from the patient could possibly resolve the GERD symptoms.
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