Kathryn Whittaker asked:


Acid reflux is really just a symptom of an underlying condition. However, many conditions can cause acid reflux, which often makes it harder to treat. Among the contributing potential causes can be: hiatal hernias, pregnancy, defective lower esophageal sphincters, insufficient digestive enzymes, asthma, and lifestyle.

So, let’s take a look at few of these…

A hiatal hernia can cause acid reflux as a result of impairing the function of the lower esophageal sphincter. Hiatial hernias are a condition that occurs when the upper part of the stomach ‘pokes’ through into the chest cavity via a small opening in the diaphragm.

The diaphragm is the muscle separating the chest from the stomach. This condition is usually the results from severe cases of vomiting, coughing, straining, or a sudden exertion. Obesity, pregnancy and advancing age also increase the risk of hiatal hernia. When hiatal hernia and acid reflux occur at the same time, symptoms of both tend to be more severe.

Pregnancy can cause acid reflux within the last trimester because as the baby grows, it puts pressure on the stomach, forcing some of the contents back up into the esophagus. In this case, antacids and other similar medications will not help to provide relief to heartburn symptoms. Instead, it is recommended that pregnant women eat smaller, more frequent meals so that there is never too much in the stomach. Once the baby is born, the symptoms will typically stop.

For similar reasons to pregnancy obesity can also cause acid reflux as the stomach becomes constricted by the excess weight.

Another cause of acid reflux is a defective lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This can easily cause acid reflux, due to a malfunctioning esophagus that does not effectively seal off the stomach from the lower esophagus, allowing stomach contents to rise up. A defective LES can mean that it is not strong enough to keep food in the stomach, or it may relax once food has passed through, allowing it to come back up again, causing the burning sensation and acidic taste.

Insufficient levels of digestive enzymes can also cause acid reflux as without sufficient volumes, digestion can become delayed. This results in food remaining in the stomach for longer, allowing stomach acids to build up and leading to a higher risk of acid reflux.

Even asthma is linked to acid reflux – with there being evidence that asthma is both a cause and also a possible effect of acid reflux. The theory of asthma causing acid reflux, it can be explained by the coughing, sneezing, and other forceful respiratory events associated with asthma, pushing acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Some asthmatic drugs also list acid reflux as a potential side effect.

Of course, lifestyle can also have a tremendous impact on acid reflux. Your lifestyle choices can cause acid reflux through overeating, smoking, stress, and even the foods you eat such as salty or fatty foods. Solutions can range from changing your lifestyle, losing excess weigh, taking typical antacids that you see at the convenience store or drug store to more long term lifestyle changes.

Although this article has only touched on some of the underlying conditions and factors that cause acid reflux, it shows the diversity of potential triggers. Many treatments look at resolving the symptoms without tackling the underlying cause, which in the end will never solve the problem for good.



Peter

Juliet Cohen asked:


Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is common. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux in the esophagus. GER is also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation, because digestive juices called acids rise up with the food. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, affects at least an estimated 5% to 7% of the global population – men, women, and children. The main symptom of GERD in adults is frequent heartburn, also called acid indigestion.

Burning-type pain in the lower region of the mid-chest, behind the bosom ivory, and in the mid-abdomen. Most children under 12 years with GERD, and some adults, have GERD without heartburn. Anatomical abnormalities such as a hiatal hernia may too add to GERD. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper region of the abdomen and the LES go above the diaphragm, the muscle fence that separates the abdomen from the chest. Normally, the diaphragm helps the LES hold acidic from rising upward into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is existing, acid reflux can happen more well. A hiatal hernia can happen in folk of any age.

Anti-reflux operations may assist a tiny amount of patients who have relentless symptoms despite medical handling. One of the simplest treatments for GERD is referred to as life-style changes, a combination of several changes in habit, especially related to eating. There are too original therapies that can be performed through an endoscope for reflux. Certain foods are known to cut the force in the lower esophageal sphincter and thereby encourage reflux. These foods should be avoided and include chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks. Fatty foods and smoking too cut the force in the sphincter and encourage reflux.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. If you smoke, stop.

2. Lose weight if needed.

3. Eat small, frequent meals.

4. Wear loose-fitting clothes.

5. Avoid lying down for 3 hours after a meal.

6. Avoid foods and activities that worsen symptoms.

7. Prokinetics help strengthen the LES and make the stomach empty faster.

8. Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer and Riopan recommended to relieve heartburn.



Lillie