Causes Of
Acid Reflux
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Acid reflux is a harmful chronic disease
which can be caused by many different factors. In this
article, we’ll do an in-depth examination of what may be
causing acid reflux disease.
One of the main reasons that people
experience the caustic fluid backup that is characteristic
of acid reflux is improper functioning of the lower
esophageal sphincter, or LES muscles. These muscles are
found at the base of the esophagus and provide a method of
opening and closing the passageway to the stomach. When the
LES muscles are weakened, they are often unable to fully
close. This can result in acid from the stomach finding its
way up into the esophagus.
Abnormalities of the esophagus are another
reason why people are afflicted with acid reflux disease.
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Several different parts of the esophagus may be
malformed, but two of the most common abnormalities that lead to
acid reflux are peristalsis and a condition known as
adult-ringed esophagus. In an adult-ringed esophagus, there are
small rings in the throat which can cause an inability to
swallow properly. Improper functioning of the stomach is another
factor that can be responsible for acid reflux. Over fifty
percent of all acid reflux sufferers have impaired stomach
muscles that have difficulty responding quickly to stimuli. This
can cause an extended period of time before the stomach is
emptied of its contents, often leading to an acid backup in the
esophagus.
Hiatal hernias are another reason that one may
experience acid reflux. The hiatus is a hole that is located in the
diaphragm, helping to secure the passageway between the esophagus and
the stomach. The hiatus is usually tight, keeping the organs separate.
However, if the hiatus is weakened, it can loosen up and lead to a
small part of the stomach actually protruding through the hole. When
this happens, a hiatal hernia is said to have occurred. While hiatal
hernias are not fully responsible for acid reflux, they can lead to a
lack of functioning in the LES muscles, which, as discussed
previously, leads to acid reflux.
In addition to all of the aforementioned
reasons that one may develop acid reflux, the role of
certain drugs may also play a hand. NSAIDs, or
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be responsible for the
development of acid reflux and a worsening of the condition in those
who already have it.
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These drugs are quite common,
and some of the most recognized brands of NSAIDs include
Motrin, Nuprin, Advil, and Aleve. A recent research study
showed that people who regularly took these medications were
as much as two times as likely to experience some symptoms
of acid reflux.
Asthma and diabetes are two other things to
consider when diagnosing the cause of acid reflux. At least
half of all asthma sufferers are known to experience acid
reflux, and we have not yet discovered which disease may be
causing the other. Diabetes sufferers need to be wary of
their eating habits when it comes to acid reflux; many
diabetics suffer from gastroparesis, a condition that causes
a delay in the emptying of the stomach. This can cause a
backup in the stomach and consequently an acid buildup in
the esophagus. |
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