Causes of Acid Reflux

Stomach produces acids and enzymes which aids in the digestion of food materials. People suffering from acid reflux experience heart burn and nausea, due to the flowing back of the liquid content in the stomach (with acids, enzymes and sometimes bile) to the esophagus. Most people experience acid reflux once in a while, but if the problem is persistent, it is called acid reflux disease. This disease can cause damage to the lining of esophagus, which may lead to ulcer, bleeding and cancer. In severe cases, this disease can cause chronic cough, asthma, sinus, throat and lung infections too. Let us take a look at the causes of acid reflux. The causes for acid reflux vary from one person to another. There are several factors, which can result in this disease. The causes may include esophageal abnormalities, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, smoking, acid reflux foods, gastroparesis, etc.

Esophageal Abnormalities
The valve that is situated in the lower end of the esophagus and controls the opening to the stomach, is called lower esophageal sphincter. Normally, it opens to allow the food to enter the stomach, but stops the back flow of the contents to esophagus. Any abnormality of this valve can cause the reverse flow of gastric juices to esophagus and sometimes to the throat. It is said that some drugs and food items can weaken lower esophageal sphincter.

Hiatal Hernia
The chest is separated from the abdomen by a muscular, horizontal partition called diaphragm. The lower esophageal sphincter is situated in the same level as that of the diaphragm. But in some cases, the upper stomach, which is attached to the lower end of esophagus, move above the diaphragm. In normal cases, both the diaphragm and the lower esophageal sphincter jointly resist the back flow, but in persons with hiatal hernia, the resisting power is less, as both are in different levels. This results in two low power barriers, in place of a single high pressure barrier. Hence, hiatal hernia is associated with acid reflux.

Pregnancy
Some women get affected with acid reflux during pregnancy. The pressure exerted on the stomach by the growing fetus causes the reverse flow of the stomach contents to the esophagus. It is also said that the elevated levels of hormones weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, during this stage. Antacids cannot be of much help in this condition, but the fact is that in almost all cases, the disease will disappear after delivery.

Smoking and Gastroparesis
It is believed that smoking can contribute to the risk of developing acid reflux disease. Smoking can cause damage to the mucus membranes, increase acid secretion, can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, reduce the production of saliva, which has a neutralizing effect on the acid. Gastroparesis is a condition in which the food remains in the stomach for a longer period than the normal time. It is seen that most reflux occur after taking food, when the stomach is full. Gastroparesis extends the time of food retention in the stomach, and thereby aggravates the acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Foods
Some food items and food habits have an effect on acid reflux, by triggering the symptoms. Lying down after having heavy food can cause heart burn. It is said that over consumption of chocolate, garlic and onions, coffee or tea, alcohol, tomato, mint, carbonated drinks, spicy food, etc. can cause heartburn, and lead to acid reflux disease.

Finally, obesity, as such can cause acid reflux disease, as it causes pressure on the stomach. Overeating, stress and a diet that is high in salt and fatty foods, can also result in this disease. You can control this disease by changing your lifestyle. Avoid smoking, fatty food, heavy meals, consumption of alcohol, etc.