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Acid Reflux Causes
Acid reflux disease, also know as GERD or gasroesophageal
reflux disease, is caused by an esophageal sphincter that does
not function properly. This sphincter is a muscular ring at the
bottom of the esophagus that prevents stomach contents from
backing up into the throat and mouth. If that sphincter is not
working right, the acids from the stomach can come back into
the esophagus causing painful heartburn, burning in the throat,
and an acidic taste in the mouth. It can be very uncomfortable
for the patient, and if it is not identified and treated, it
might also cause damage to the esophagus and larynx.
There are a number a possible contributing causes of acid
reflux disease, although doctors are still not sure what the
original cause might be. Some of the things that directly
contribute to acid reflux symptoms are smoking, overeating,
stress and a diet that is high in salt and fatty foods. A
hiatal hernia is a condition that can also exacerbate the
symptoms of acid reflux, as does obesity and pregnancy. All
three of these conditions put additional pressure on the
abdominal area which can be why they are all considered causes
of acid reflux. Peptic ulcers and an insufficiency of digestive
enzymes in the stomach can also be conditions that cause
stomach acids to build up and back up. It has also been found
that people with asthma and diabetes have a higher incidence of
acid reflux disease.
Preventable Causes Of Acid Reflux Disease
A person can experience acid reflux symptoms after eating a
large meal. This can be easily prevented by cutting down
portion sizes. Since certain foods may act as triggers for
symptoms, keeping a food diary and learning to avoid foods that
are potential acid reflux causes will help keep the problems
associated with the disease in check. Some doctors will
recommend staying away from caffeine, alcohol and smoking.
While these are not actual acid reflux causes, they all can
make current symptoms worse. Another way to reduce the
uncomfortable effects of acid reflux is by avoiding lying down
after eating a meal. This position can make it easier for
digestive acids to move in the wrong direction. You can also
elevate your upper body at night while sleeping to avoid waking
up with painful heartburn in the morning, or even in the middle
of the night.
Although there are many causes of acid reflux disease, there
are also many treatment possibilities to keep the symptoms at
bay. With a little investigation and a doctor’s help, many acid
reflux sufferers are finding relief from the pain and
discomfort of acid reflux disease.
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