The hiatal hernia can lead to acid reflux in a third way.  Normally the esophagus connects to the stomach at an angle creating a flap of tissue.  The hiatal hernia leads to the flap becoming warped and therefore it is useless to stop reflux. 

People with acid reflux have a problem with the contraction of the esophageal muscles when they swallow.  This is an issue because the contraction pushes all of the items in the esophagus into the stomach.  If there is not a good contraction then the acid does not get pushed back and remains in the esophagus.  Smoking disturbs the clearing of the esophagus too.  It takes about six hours from the last cigarette you smoke for the effect on the esophagus to wear off. 

 Acid reflux is most common after meals.  It is always better to be vertical so gravity can help the acid move down into the stomach.  Large meals are not recommended for people with acid reflux.  

 There are many different reasons people may have acid reflux.  Learning the cause may help in your quest to relieve some of the discomfort of acid reflux.

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