The Main Causes of Acid Reflux

The actual causes for GERD are not easily known. There may be several causes together which cause the problem. In some cases GERD is caused due to the over production of acid. But this has been very rare. Some of the common causes of GERD are strength of muscles of lower oesophagus or lower oesophageal sphincter, slow emptying of stomach, defective oesophageal contractions and hiatal hernias..

The lower oesophageal sphincter or LES is often responsible for stopping acid reflux. LES controls the flow between oesophagus and stomach. It opens to allow the food and closes to block the flow of reflux. When LES becomes weak, there is a possibility of increased reflux. More reflux can enter the oesophagus thus causing the problem. Sometimes weakening of oesophagus can cause serious medical conditions. LES may be weakened either due to abnormal relaxations or weakened contractions.

When the contractions are weakened, LES fails to prevent the occurrence of reflux. Since LES remains open for a long time, the extended period of relaxation allows reflux to flow into oesophagus thus causing discomfort and pain. All these abnormalities occur due to weakened muscles of oesophagus.

Majority of GERD patients also suffer from hiatal hernias, which contributes to reflux.
As of now, the relation between hernias and GERD is not yet clearly understood. But their effects are known. Diaphragm plays an important role in preventing reflux. It works along with LES to minimize the reflux. When a patient is suffering from hiatal hernia, part of stomach shifts up into the diaphragm. Due to this, the abdomen is partitioned from the chest. Since a portion of stomach is pushed to the diaphragm, it is more prone to trap acid. Hence higher quantity of acid remains close to the lining of the oesophagus. This increases acid reflux and makes the condition even more severe.

The contraction of oesophagus has much to do with the digestive process. The contraction forces the food into the stomach so as to begin digestion. Problems with contraction of oesophagus fail to push back reflux to stomach due to which acid reflux ejects into the oesophagus. Defective contraction can be one of the major causes of acid reflux. This may occur either due to weakened pressure of muscular contractions or due to some bad habits like smoking which accumulate acid in oesophagus for about five to six hours.

There are various causes and conditions which lead to this uncomfortable condition. Whatever the cause, the level of discomfort is very high. Due to acid reflux, patients feel burning sensation and pain. Hence it is recommended that you consult a physician whenever you experience any problem and seek medical help. The doctors can analyze and understand your condition better with proper diagnosis and hence can treat you appropriately. Acid reflux when left untreated can cause damage to oesophagus and may lead to severe complications.

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