Causes Of Gerd

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, better known as acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and the stomach contents leaks back, or refluxes, into the esophagus. The LES is a ring muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach. When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth. This is called acid indigestion. Occasional heartburn is common and does not necessarily mean one has GERD. If heartburn occurs more than twice a week, it may be considered as GERD. 1

Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD occurs when the acidic gastric juices from the stomach repeatedly flow up into the esophagus. As the stomach acid is allowed to flow into and irritate the lining of the esophagus, a burning sensation is felt in the lower chest. If these symptoms of heartburn are not controlled with modifications in lifestyle, and over-the-counter medicines are needed two or more times a week, you should see your physician. When GERD or acid reflux disease are not treated, it can cause serious complications to occur, such as severe chest pain that can mimic a heart attack, esophageal stricture (the narrowing of the esophagus), bleeding, or a pre-cancerous change in the lining of the esophagus known as Barrett’s Esophagus. 4

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD for short, is a condition where stomach acid refluxes back into the esophagus, causing damage to it. The cause or causes of GERD are not known; however, there are a number of factors that can that can increase your risk of developing it. These factors are known as GERD risk factors. These same risk factors can also make your GERD symptoms worse. 3

No-one knows exactly what causes acid reflux, or why some people develop GERD while others only suffer occasional heartburn and esophageal reflux. While causes of acid reflux disease are unclear, factors that trigger GERD are well documented. 2

The main symptoms of GERD are persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation. Some people have GERD without heartburn. Instead, they experience pain in the chest, hoarseness in the morning, or trouble swallowing. You may feel like you have food stuck in your throat or as if you are chocking or your throat is tight. GERD may also cause a dry cough and bad breath. Sometimes GERD can cause serious complications. Inflammation of the esophagus from stomach acid causes bleeding ulcers. Additionally, scars from tissue damage can narrow the esophagus and make swallowing difficult. Factors that exacerbate the symptoms of GERD in some patients include smoking, caffeine, chocolate, fatty foods, overeating with gastric distention, tight clothing, the presence of a hiatal hernia, and certain medications. In all cases foods are the primary ingredient. 5

Gastroesophageal reflux describes a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus. This acid can irritate and sometimes damage the delicate lining on the inside of the esophagus. Almost everyone experiences gastroesophageal reflux at some time. The usual symptom is heartburn, an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, most commonly occurring after a meal. In some individuals this reflux is frequent or severe enough to cause more significant problems, that is a disease. Thus, gastroesophageal reflux disease is a clinical condition that occurs when reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus is severe enough to impact the patient�s life and/or damage the esophagus. 7

One possible GERD cause is the weakness of the muscle at the base of the esophagus that connects and controls the flow of food in to the stomach, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). As food travels down the esophagus, the sphincter opens to let food flow into the stomach. Normally it closes as soon as the food enters the stomach. With heartburn, the sphincter does not close tightly. This causes stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus (often called acid reflux), causing the GERD symptom of a burning sensation in the chest. 6