FOOD ALLERGY IN ADULT PATIENT WITH REFRACTORY GASTRO - ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE: CAN FOOD ALLERGY BE A CULPRIT FACTOR IN GERD?

Background : Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder present nowadays. Several studies investigated relationship between GERD and asthma. Few studies discussed the relationship between food allergy and GERD. Aim of work : was to study the prevalence of food allergy in adults with refractory GERD, determine the most common allergens and investigate the relationship between food allergy and severity of GERD. Secondary outcome included assessment of improv ement of symptoms of GERD after food elimination diet. Methods : 50 adult patients diagnosed as GERD underwent history of allergy, clinical examination, skin prick, patch test for essential food allergens and open food challenge. Biopsies were taken from es ophagus to exclude eosinophilic esophagitis (EE). Results : 36 patients (72%) showed positive skin tests , 11 of them had positive family history of allergy. Twenty four had grade A GERD, 10 had grade B and 2 had grade C. Common allergens were banana, mango and maize. There was no relationship between severity of GERD and food allergy. Thirty five patients improved on elimination diet, 25 without medication and 10 with medication. Only one patient did not improve. Conclusion : There is a possible link between food allergy and GERD and evaluation of food allergy in GERD should be considered