The causes of acid reflux

Introduction

GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease is a certain typeof medical condition in which the consumed liquids and foods along with stomachacid get released back into the esophagus. The intestinal acids are ratherstrong and they damage or irritate the esophagus which leads to discomfort andpainful sensations. It may be quite tricky to treat in some cases, but with alittle patience it still can be treated.

Causes

In most cases the gastro esophageal reflux disease istriggered by a poor and unbalanced diet. Various biological and abnormalstructural conditions may further contribute to GERD. Excessive production ofacid is not associated with GERD, it is a term only applied to the condition inwhich the acid leaks back into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter isa valve which is in charge of opening only to let the food into the stomach andthen closing again. If it fails to perform these tasks properly, the acid leaksback into the esophagus. The most common factors which cause the impairedfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter include nervous system problems,different types of drugs and various dietary substances. Obesity and tightfitting clothes are also known for causing gastro esophageal reflux disease insome cases. Numerous different types of connective tissue diseases and alsopregnancy may be affiliated with the occurrence of gastro esophageal refluxdisease. GERD may also be a hereditarymedical condition, it can be inherited along with some other structural ormuscular problems. Another medicalcondition which may cause GERD in some cases is known by the name of hiatalhernia. It normally occurs in people who are over 60 years old. It ischaracterized by weakening of the hiatus. Certain scientific studies have shownthat gastro esophageal reflux disease may be associated with asthma in somecases. GERD is often associated with troubled swallowing, coughing, wheezingsore throat and reflux of food. Nausea can also be experienced in some cases,especially after consumption of food.

The severity of gastro esophageal reflux disease can besometimes increased by the use of certain types of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as naproxene, ibuprofen and Aspirin. Several othertypes of drugs and medicaments such as iron pills, potassium pills,antibiotics, sedatives, bisphosphonates, dopamine, beta adrenergic agonists,anticholinergics and calcium channel blockers may also be triggering the occurrenceof GERD. Tomatoes, citrus fruits, caffeine and chocolate need to be avoided asmuch as possible.