The Main Causes of Acid Reflux

The causes of GERD are not straightforward.  In many cases, there may be several causes contributing to the problem. In some patients it will be to do with over-production of acid, although this is relatively rare.  The main factors which cause GERD are the strength of the muscles of the lower oesophagus (lower oesophageal sphincter), the emptying of the stomach, defective oesophageal contractions and hiatal hernias, which can also cause reflux.

The lower oesophageal sphincter, or LES is the most crucial factor within the mechanism for stopping acid reflux.  It control the passage between the oesophagus and the stomach, and opens to let food enter whilst closing primarily to block reflux.  If this muscle is weakened this can lead to increased reflux, and can be the result of a specific more complex medical complaint, and can be classified in two distinct categories: weakened contractions and abnormal relaxations.

With weakened contractions, the LES does not do enough to prevent reflux from occurring, as the can last for a considerable period and do not accompany the swallow.  Extended periods of relaxation allow reflux to flow, as the LES remains open for a considerable period.  These are seen as the main abnormalities which can occur as a result of weakened oesophageal muscles.

Another contributory factor to reflux is the hiatal hernias, which the majority of GERD patients will suffer from.  It is unclear why these hernias develop in patients of GERD, but they're effects are almost fully understood.  When a hiatal hernia is present, part of the stomach has pushed up into the diaphragm which partitions the abdomen from the chest.  The diaphragm is a key factor in preventing reflux and works with the LES to ensure any reflux is kept to a minimum.  In patients with the hernia, this process is lessened because of its affects on the diaphragm, which leads to increased reflux.  The fact that a portion of the stomach is pushed into the diaphragm means that it is ideally suited to trapping acid, which can again lead to acid reflux which higher volumes of acid remaining close to the lining of the oesophagus.

The contraction of the oesophagus is an important feature of the digestive process.  It forces food down towards the stomach, where digestion can begin. Patients with GERD can sometimes find that the root of their problem lies in defective contractions of the oesophagus, which as a result fail to push reflux back towards the stomach for whatever reason.  It could be to do with the weakened pressure of the muscular contractions, or perhaps have developed as a result of smoking which tends to trap acid within the oesophagus for up to five to six hours.

There are many different causes of this uncomfortable condition.  Because of the acidic nature of the complaint, patients will often feel a burning sensation, and may be oblivious as to the reasons they are feeling this discomfort.  It is best to consult your medical professional, who will have a better idea as to the precise cause of your reflux, and will be better placed to offer a diagnosis  and effective course of treatment.

Acid reflux news on the Web

5 Acid Reflux Medications: Which One Is Best for You? There are so many medications out there to treat acid reflux, but how do you know which one is right for your condition? We talked to a specialist to find out.

The Dangers of Acid Reflux If you indulged in a little too much this Labor Day weekend, it may have left you feeling a little uncomfortable. The indigestion or heartburn you felt might be something more serious. You might be suffering from Acid Reflux. Dr. Rolly Sullivan explains in this week's West Virginia Health Report.

Drug Discount: 5 Ways to Save at the Pharmacy Nearly 1 in 3 Americans skimp on medications to save money; here's what to do instead.

Spider veins creep in, that bugs her s there anything that can be done for spider veins?A. Spider veins can make your legs and even your face look like you've been to a cut-rate tattoo artist. These hair-thin, dilated veins just beneath the skin don't actually resemble the creepy-crawlies they're named for. They're more like red, blue or purple sunbursts or tree branches. Any way you describe them, big ones can be so unsightly that ...

Ask Dr. H: Not all tick bites require treatment Question: I recently received a tick bite while hiking through a wooded area. I noticed the tick the next morning and pulled it out. I promptly saw my primary-care physician, but to my surprise, he told me that I didn't need any blood testing or antibiotics. It's been a month and so far I'm fine, but shouldn't he have at least done something?

Something for nothing: Longview mom of three clicks her way to coupons, freebies Holly Robinson has the right first name. She's bright and shiny,she's partial to green stuff and every other day is Christmas ather house.

A good B.M. cornerstone of good health Recently my granddaughter complained of a stomach ache and I asked her when was the last time she had had a bowel movement?

Yes, there are fixes for spider vein issue Question: Is there anything that can be done for spider veins? - Dolores, Highland Park, Ill.

MUSC breathing new life into lung transplants It’s something most of us take for granted.

Feeling the BURN | Get relief for heartburn symptoms Read this interesting readersdigest.com.au article