Acid Reflux – Symptoms and causes

Gastro esophageal reflux disease or acid reflux occurs when the digestive acids in the stomach get unbalanced, creating a back up reflux and affecting the esophagus. There are many causes for these symptoms to appear and one of them could be due to abnormalities of the Lower Esophageal sphincter. The LES is a valve that works as a door between the esophagus and the stomach and malfunction of the LES can create the acid reflux.

Another reason for acid reflux can be a hiatal hernia. It has been found that many people having problems with acid reflux get a hiatal hernia or have history of hiatal hernia at the same time. A hiatal hernia affects the position of the LES. The LES is supposed to be in line with the stomach in the diaphragm, however, with a hernia, it gets shifted further up creating a different pressure which does not help the LES stay closed and thus creating a very good chance for acid reflex to become a chronic problem. Another reason for the hernia to create acid reflux is the location of the sac. Because it is so close to the esophagus, the acid gets trapped on it and again, the acid reflex can easily take place.

Another reason why hiatal hernia may cause acid reflex is the position where the hernia is located. If the location of the hernia is affecting the LES in any way, the LES will not close properly and the digestive acids from the stomach will go to the esophagus.

There are other reasons for acid reflux. The esophagus is a muscle that functions as a flashing tube to send all the food into the stomach. If for some reason this muscle is not working properly, then of course, your esophagus will not be totally clear and this can create malfunction of the LES.

Bad habits like smoking can cause acid reflux. This is basically because the digestive system overworks when you smoke, creating extra acid in your system which the body tends to get rid of. Also people with acid reflux should avoid taking large meals. The stomach may not have the capacity that you are putting it into and therefore, it will be overwhelmed by the extra food.

Also, avoid lying down after meals. This is something that you should always keep in mind. Keeping your body in the vertical posture for some time will help with your digestion.

The symptoms and reasons for acid reflex vary from person to person; however, awareness and understanding of the causes can always help you get some relief from this very uncomfortable disease.

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