Causes of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux or GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) occurs when the liquid that is in the stomach backs up into the esophagus.  This is usually a condition which persists throughout the life of the individual.  Because the acid backs up into the esophagus, the esophagus may be damaged. 

Acid reflux (GERD) can have many causes.  The action of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) may be one cause.  The esophagus connects to the stomach.  There is a muscle ring that goes around the end of the esophagus at the point where it meets the stomach.  This is the LES.  When we eat or drink the LES allows the food to pass into the stomach and then the muscle ring closes so the food does not reflux.  People with acid reflux (GERD) may have abnormalities with their LES.  The LES may have a weak contraction so there is a very good chance of reflux.  Or, the LES may be too relaxed.  The longer the LES is open (relaxed) reflux can easily occur. 

Another cause of acid reflux (GERD) is a hiatal hernia.  Some people with acid reflux have hiatal hernias and some do not.  Hiatal hernias are not a pre-requisite for acid reflux, but a large amount of people with acid reflux DO have hiatal hernias.  A hiatal hernia disrupts the location of the LES.  The LES should be on a level with the diaphragm but due to the hiatal hernia the LES is pushed up and lies in the chest.  This is a problem because the diaphragm is a large part of helping the LES to prevent reflux.  Now the pressure of both the LES and diaphragm are not working as a strong unit.  The hiatal hernia contributes to the reflux because of the decreased pressure. 

Acid reflux can also be caused by a hiatal hernia due to the hernial sac.  The location of the sac is near the esophagus.  Acid gets trapped in the sac.  Because the sac is so close to the esophagus, when the LES relaxes, it is easy to reflux. 

Related Reading:

SwallowGOLD MEDAL WINNER, Best Regional Fiction, Northeast Region, 2010 IPPY Awards
GOLD MEDAL WINNER, Women's Fiction, 2010 Living Now Book Awards,
FI... Read More >

Lost Universe - Flushed Into Space! (Vol 3)The mysterious crystal that Millie brings aboard the Swordbreaker turns out to be a high-tech booby trap, capable of reconfiguring matter and space. T... Read More >

A.I. Love You, Vol. 3 (v. 3)When Saati goes to rescue her older sister from the clutches of a scam artist's computer security system, she comes face-to-face with none other than ... Read More >

Metabo EXtreme Fat Burner Weight Loss Diet Pill 60 CapsMetabo ExtremeTM has become one of our most popular herbal thermogenic fat burners. Metabo ExtremeTM our new Ephedra-alternative, high-energy products... Read More >

South Park Vol. 1Four foul-mouthed tykes in parkas and wool caps navigate the treacherous snows of adolescence such as puppy love, sibling jealousy, and alien abductio... Read More >