The exact cause of GERD is unknown. Obesity, lifestyle, and eating habits are all cited as possible acid reflux causes, and hiatal hernia often causes acid reflux.
No-one knows exactly what causes acid reflux, or why some people develop GERD while others only suffer occasional heartburn and esophageal reflux. While causes of acid reflux disease are unclear, factors that trigger GERD are well documented.
The Anatomy of Acid reflux
The esophagus connects the mouth to the stomach. Separating the esophagus lining from the stomach is a smooth ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter.
When food is swallowed, the esophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing food to enter the stomach. At other times, the muscle prevents stomach acid from damaging the tender esophageal lining.
If the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes at inappropriate times, or cannot fully close, it causes acid reflux symptoms.
Hiatal Hernia Causes Acid Reflux
Hiatal hernias can cause acid reflux, and possibly GERD. The diaphragm separates the stomach from the chest. If a hiatal hernia occurs, a portion of the stomach pushes above the diaphragm, and stomach acid can leak into the esophagus.
Hiatal hernias are often accompanied by esophageal reflux, and many doctors consider hiatal hernias one of the causes of acid reflux disease, or GERD. Hiatal hernias can occur at any age, although the risk of hiatal hernias seems to increase with age: small hiatal hernias are very common after age fifty.
Food Causes Acid Reflux
While hiatal hernia accounts for some cases of GERD, not everyone who experiences regular esophageal reflux has a hiatal hernia. Other factors must be at work.
Food and alcohol are common causes of acid reflux. Although neither food nor alcohol is thought to be the cause of GERD, they are capable of worsening GERD symptoms.
Certain foods and alcohol irritate the low esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of acid reflux. Other foods trigger GERD by relaxing the esophageal sphincter, causing it to open inappropriately. Peppermint in any form is notorious for its ability to cause acid reflux, and should be avoided by anyone eating an acid reflux diet.
Smoking and GERD
Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of acid reflux and GERD. Like many acid reflux triggers, smoking relaxes the esophageal sphincter. Acid reflux treatment recommends that smokers make every attempt to quit smoking.
Weight and Acid Reflux Causes
Extra weight increases pressure within the abdominal, increasing the risk of esophageal reflux. The more overweight or obese a person, the more likely he or she will experience acid reflux enough to warrant a GERD diagnosis.
Pregnant women often experience pregnancy heartburn. Acid reflux during pregnancy occurs due to weight gain, hormonal changes, and the pressure the expanding uterus places on the stomach.
Tight clothing is also known to cause acid reflux and aggravate GERD symptoms. Like extra weight, tight clothing increases abdominal pressure, forcing stomach contents back into the esophagus.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
