Acid Reflux Causes

The word reflux means to recede or to flow back in Old Latin (relfuxus, refluere). Acid reflux is often termed as heartburn. Heartburn is actually the sensation one feels when the acid flows back to the esophagus, while acid reflux is the flow back of stomach acids going up the esophagus.

Acid reflux happens when the sphincter of the lower esophagus fails to block stomach acids from rising up from the stomach to the esophagus. The question medical researchers have yet to answer is why the sphincter becomes dysfunctional. One hypothesis suggests that stomach pressure sometimes becomes so great the sphincter is unable to withstand it.

Listed below are some of the typical causes of acid reflux or GERD (gatreesophageal reflux disease).

Low insufficient digestive enzymes and peptic ulcers and – Decreased levels of digestive enzymes inside the stomach and peptic ulcers can retard the process of digestion. This results in the collection of hydrochloric acid that can potentially reflux into the esophagus.

Asthma – It is unclear whether asthma causes acid reflux or vice versa. Some argue that the sneezing and coughing of asthma flare ups can lead to weakness in the chest that can result in acid reflux. Some people think that medicines for asthma that are used to widen the esophagus and other airways can play a part in the dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Acid reflux can exacerbate asthma attacks since the acid reflux to the esophagus triggers the nerves from the neck down to the chest and these can result in breathing problems as well as narrowing of the bronchial tubes.

Hiatal hernia – This is a condition in which a part of the upper abdomen goes up into the chest via a small opening in the diaphragm. Some hiatal hernias can result from:

  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Sudden and extreme physical exertion
  • Straining
  • Vomiting
  • Severe coughing

Bending forward – Acid reflux can only come with this particular movement if the body is already compromised by an unknown or underlying problem.

Large meals – Acid reflux commonly affects people who often eat large portions of foods and most of these people report stoppage or lessening of acid reflux when they limit their food intake. Some acid reflux patients who keep a food diary that lists down everything they have eaten have discovered foods that have helped trigger their acid reflux and as a result avoided these foods and have stopped or lessened the recurrence of their reflux.

Malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter – The weakening of the smooth muscles that comprise the ring of the lower esophageal sphincter or LES causes the sphincter not to fully close enabling the acids to escape to the esophagus. Some suspected factors that cause the weakness of the LES include:

  • Nervous system factors
  • Drugs
  • Dietary products and substances

Stomach dysfunctions – Acid reflux patients suffer from abnormal muscle and nerve function in the abdomen. These problems make it impossible for the abdominal muscles to correctly contract. This slows down the emptying of the stomach and increases the likelihood for the backing up of stomach acids.

Problems in the Esophagus – There are studies that have proven that patients with GERD symptoms like a lump in the throat feeling, chronic cough or hoarseness usually have certain esophageal abnormalities.

Motility problems – When a person suffers from GERD, they often show peristalsis problems. Scientists still don’t if these problems cause GERD or are caused by GERD.

Adult-Ringed Esophagus – This condition causes swallowing problems including food getting blocked in the esophageal tract. This problem often affects men than women.

Genetic Factors – Around 30 to 40% of GERD cases are genetically inherited.  People with family members or relatives who have acid reflux more often than not acquire the structural or muscular anomalies in the esophagus and abdomen. Genetic inheritance is also blamed in people with a high risk for Barrett’s esophagus that is potentially cancerous condition that have resulted from extreme GERD.

Some of the foods and drinks that can cause heartburn and acid reflux include:

  • Vinegar
  • Tomatoes – Catsup, tomato juice, paste and sauce
  • Certain teas
  • Spicy foods
  • Garlic
  • Coffee
  • Pineapple and citrus fruits
  • Chili and chili powder
  • Black pepper
  • Alcohol

Patients suffering from acid reflux report discomfort when eating these foods that cause gas.

  • Soda
  • Kale
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Broccoli
  • Beans

 

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