What Causes Acid Reflux

It is important to know What Causes Acid Reflux so people can avoid the factors.

 

What causes acid reflux? Not everyone knows what causes this painful stomach condition. One of the most common roots of acid reflux is hiatal hernia, a stomach abnormality that occurs in people of any age. This happens when the upper part of the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter protrude through the diaphragm. When the muscle wall that separates your stomach from your chest functions correctly, it can normally keep acid from rising into the esophagus. The presence of hiatal hernia easily makes acid move up into the esophagus.

 

If you think that unhealthy food is what causes acid reflux, then you are partly right. Fatty foods especially those that are fried and oily can trigger this condition. Caffeine, dairy and spicy foods are also acid reflux culprits.

 

You may hear some people saying that an unhealthy lifestyle is what causes acid reflux. They certainly do have a point. Cigarette smoking relaxes the LES and slows down the production of saliva, which defends the body against damage to the esophagus. Smoking also weakens the digestive valves. Alcohol, on the other hand, increases the production of stomach acid and relaxes the LES.

 

If you have abnormalities in the esophagus, it may be what causes acid reflux in your case. It is important to consult your doctor because you may not only be suffering from acid reflux alone; you may be having peristalsis, which is a succession of organized muscle contractions that take place throughout the digestive tract.

 

An impaired stomach function may be what causes acid reflux that you’re experiencing. If you have an abnormal muscle or nerve function in your stomach, it will take time for your food and stomach acid to completely be digested.  A slow digestion will cause a hindrance for the stomach to empty its contents, which increases pressure in the stomach and the risk of acid reflux.

 

There are certain drugs (over-the-counter and prescription alike) that increase the risk for acid reflux. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen commonly cause peptic ulcers and acid reflux or increase the severity of symptoms in people who already have either condition. Several studies show that long-term NSAID users were twice as likely to have acid reflux symptoms as non-NSAID users.

 

Other drugs that cause or worsen acid reflux are calcium channel blockers, anticholinergics, beta adrenergic agonists, dopamine, bisphosphonates, sedatives, antibiotics, potassium, and iron pills, among others. It is important to consult your doctor if you start experiencing any symptoms while taking these drugs.