The Causes Of Acid Reflux Varies
There can be several different causes for acid relux however the main causes of acid reflux usually, are lower esophagus sphincter, hiatal hernia, esophageal contractions and emptying of the stomach. In rare cases, it can be caused by an overproduction of stomach acid. Although there is some indications that it may be a mind body disorder according to Dr. John Sarno in his book on Mind Body Disorders.
While acid reflux or heartburn can be an extremely uncomfortable feeling, the causes of acid reflux can be different in different people. It can also be cause for different reason at different times in the same person.
The burning sensation behind your breastbone, commonly called heartburn is the result of acid reflux. This happens when the liquid in your stomach is allowed to reflux or backup into the esophagus. The acid in the stomach irritate the esophagus lining as one of the causes of acid reflux and the burning sensation. If the lower esophagus sphincter is opened, even slightly, the content of the stomach will reflux into the esophagus. How much acid is in the stomach flowing upwards will determine how the severe the pain will feel.
Heartburn and acid regurgitation also occur when you bend over or lie down especially in bed at night. According to one study, nearly three-quarters of patients with frequent GERD symptoms experience them at night. So, wait at least 2-3 hours before going to bed after a meal to avoid aggravation of heartburn symptoms.
People with nighttime acid reflux also tend to experience more severe pain than those whose symptoms occur at other times. One study found that patients with night-time pain reported levels of severity that were similar to those reported in angina and congestive heart failure.
Acid Reflux Medications May Help
There are many medications on the market that control the amount of acid produced. They may reduce the burning from the causes of acid reflux, but whatever liquid is in the stomach will still reflux into the esophagus. The function of the lower esophagus sphincter is to open for a few seconds when a person swallows and then close back up to prevent stomach content from returning. If the muscle is weak, it is possible for stomach acid to flow into the esophagus. Additionally, the sphincter may remain open too long, again allowing the acid to reflux.
Herniated Hiatal Muscles Effects The Diaphragm And Acid Reflux
The lower esophagus sphincter is on the same level as the diaphragm as the esophagus passes through it. With a hiatal hernia, the top of the stomach, where it connects to the esophagus allows a small part of the stomach to pass through the diaphragm, foring acid into the esophagus and is one of the causes of acid reflux.
In patients with sporadic problems with the function of the lower esophagus sphincter, the stomach may also take longer to empty than in patients who seldom experience heartburn. The longer the stomach takes to empty, the more time the stomach has to push acid back into the esophagus.
Eating too much can also one of the causes of acid reflux as the sphincter has no way to push acid back into the stomach since it is full. Bending and sitting can force the food and other stomach content back into the esophagus as another of the causes of acid reflux.
Foods That May Cause Acid Reflux
Certain foods may cause acid reflux and trigger heartburn symptoms more than others. These foods include:
- spicy foods ,
- citrus fruits ,
- tomato-based foods such as spaghetti sauce,
- chili and pizza ,
- chocolate ,
- drinks with caffeine such as coffee or soda ,
- fatty and fried foods ,
- garlic and onions ,
- peppermint
The heartburn symptoms of acid reflux disease often occur after meals. You may have to limit or avoid certain foods that you know cause heartburn, acid reflux._
Free Acid Reflux Articles:
