Effect of a Nickel Free Diet and Nickel Sensitization on GERD Patients.

Effect of a Nickel Free Diet and Nickel Sensitization on GERD Patients.

There is little evidence on the effect of a nickel-free diet on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We hope to determine if a nickel-free diet improves GERD symptoms in patients with a nickel allergy by having patients complete a questionnaire on their GERD symptoms before and after initiation of 8 weeks on a nickel-free diet.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 18 years or older with a history of GERD
• owns a phone with a camera
• has access to or is willing to sign up for MyChart
• is symptomatic for GERD at time of visit as determined by a score of >12 on the GERD Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire. (Patients that are currently taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) they must have been on the PPI for at least 3 months.)

Exclusion Criteria:

• less than 18 years of age
• no not have access to MyChart
• are not willing to sign up for MyChart
• have taken an oral steroid within 4 weeks
• have experienced a sunburn or had significant sun exposure within the last 4 weeks, or applied a topical steroid to the area that the past test will be applied (i.e. upper back or arm) in the last 4 weeks. No vulnerable populations will be included.