Acid Reflux Causes

Acid Reflux Disease is considered as the most expensive chronic gastrointestinal disorder in the U.S. because of its increasing prevalence. About 25 million adult Americans or 20% of the population experience acid reflux on a daily basis. This condition may affect people of different ages. It is twice more common in men than it is in women.  Its prevalence increases for people aged 40 and above. Due to these statistics and facts, it is really important to know acid reflux causes.

In normal digestion process, the chewed food goes to the stomach through the esophagus, which is a tube between the stomach and the pharynx. At the junction where the stomach and esophagus join, there lies the esophageal sphincter. As the food reaches the stomach, it produces gastric enzymes and strong acids to facilitate food digestion. These acids are not harmful for the stomach because it has several protective mechanisms, unlike the esophagus which does not have any. The lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak as the gastric acids seep upwards into the esophagus. There are different factors that trigger this condition.

The common acid reflux causes are the following:

• Hereditary factors

Some studies suggest that genetic or hereditary factors make some people prone to a precancerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which is caused by severe gastro esophageal acid reflux.

• Eating Habits

People who eat large meals are susceptible because the amount of gastric enzymes produced by the stomach depends on the amount of food to be digested. The more food it accommodates, more acids are also produced. In addition, improper chewing is the primary cause of acid indigestion.

• Smoking

Smoking is one of the common causes of acid backflow because of different factors. First, the saliva of smokers has less bicarbonate, which is responsible for neutralizing acids. Next, smoking also affects the production of saliva. Another reason is that there are certain chemicals in cigarettes that may weaken the esophageal sphincter. Lastly, it stimulates gastric acid production.

• Alcohol

Researches show that alcohol consumption contributes to the production of gastric acids. However, some studies contradict these by saying that drinking alcohol and other caffeinated beverages cannot cause esophageal reflux.

• Fizzy drinks and sodas

They have high sugar content that creates a perfect environment for increased acid concentration in the stomach.

• Pregnancy

As the growing baby compresses the stomach during the third trimester of pregnancy, the gastric acids are also being pushed upwards. There are also some hormones produced during pregnancy that may contribute to the reflux.

• Asthma

Although the connection between Asthma and Acid Reflux is still not proven, some specialists believe that the coughing spells brought about by asthma increases chest pressure that may be a reason for the reversed flow of gastric juices to the esophagus.

• Drugs

Some drugs are said to be increasing the risks of having this GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease). These include: NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) – Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen.  Other Drugs that may aggravate this condition are: Calcium-channel blockers (Norvasc, Cardizem, and Vascor), Anticholinergic drugs, Opioid analgesics, Nitrates, Tricyclic Antidepressants, Diazepam, and Theophylline.

• Hiatal Hernia

This is a condition wherein the upper portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the stomach from the chest). This protrusion may increase the pressure, causing the gastric juices to be forced upward to the esophagus. This can occur in people of any age. Hiatal hernia is usually caused by vomiting, severe coughing or sudden physical exertion.

• Impaired Motility

One cause for this is the abnormal nerve or muscle in the stomach which may delay gastric emptying, increase pressure, and lead to regurgitation. Decreased peristalsis may also be a reason.

• Foods

Spicy, acidic, and fatty foods cause increased gastric enzyme production and is one of the most common acid reflux causes. Other foods to avoid are citrus fruits, chocolate, drinks with caffeine, mint and tomato-based foods like spaghetti and pizza. Caffeine relaxes the LES (lower esophageal sphincter), allowing acids to flow into the esophagus. Chocolate contains certain amounts of theobromine which also relaxes the LES. Fried and fatty foods may slow down digestion and increase the pressure in the stomach.

• Table salt may increase a person’s risk of having acid reflux by the age of 70. Researchers studied that people who ate large amounts of table salt had a similar increased risk to smokers. Gastroenterologists at New York Medical Center concluded that people who put greater amounts of table salt in their foods may also be eating fatty or greasy foods, which are proven acid reflux causes.
• Obesity increases the pressure in the stomach area.
• Bending forward
• Eating within 2 to 3 hours before bedtime

Lying down with a full stomach may weaken the sphincter due to the increased stomach pressure.

• Tight-fitting clothes

Clothes that are tight on the stomach area may squeeze the stomach and the gastric contents.

• Stress can also be a risk factor as it may cause a malfunction to the digestive system, so the foods are not properly digested. Lack of energy and nutrients in the body also reduces the digestive process which causes indigestion and increased pressure in the stomach.
• Insufficiency of digestive enzymes may slow down gastric emptying.
• Constipation can cause delayed gastric emptying.
• Abnormality in the esophageal sphincter would mean that it could not close completely.

As what is stated above, acid reflux can affect people of all ages. However, the main acid reflux causes may differ based on age. The following causes for children and infants are not yet proven but are believed to be true based on experience:

• Food intolerance, allergies

Some infants are born with sensitive digestive system or they may react to some foods badly. The term “allergy” is being used for those reactions.

• Hernias and birth defects of stomach or esophagus
• Slow digestion that lasts for more than 30 to 45 minutes. When the food stays longer in the stomach, additional amount of acids are produced.
• Genetics. If both parents have a history of pediatric acid reflux, the baby’s symptoms become more severe, according to researchers.

Like in any other health conditions, it is always important to know the underlying acid reflux causes because these can determine the course of treatments appropriate for each individual. As what is stated above, it can occur to anyone, so proper diagnosis is essential.