Acid Reflux Causes & Risk Factors

According to the Mayo Clinic, acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), happens when stomach acid backs up (reflux) into the esophagus. It can affect anyone at any age. While there is no cure, medication and diet make it manageable.

Features

• Acid reflux consists of stomach acid or bile that flows backward in the esophagus when the sphincter, a small flap at the end of the esophagus, relaxes at inappropriate times. The sphincter allows food into the stomach when swallowed. When the sphincter relaxes after eating or drinking, the result is often a burning or tightness in the chest area, which is heartburn, a common symptom of GERD.

Treatment

• The first course of action in the treatment of GERD is normally a stomach acid reducer such as Tums. This reduces the stomach acid produced. It this fails, there are more potent medications available to neutralize the stomach acid, such as Prilosec or Nexium. Avoiding certain foods such as garlic, carbonated beverages, tomatoes, citrus juices, spicy foods and coffee help in controlling the symptoms.

Significance

• Nearly 7 percent of Americans suffer from GERD.

Considerations

• According to the Journal of Gastroenterology, GERD tends to be genetic among close relatives. Other risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, diabetes and smoking.

Warning

• Chronic GERD can develop into a condition known as Barrett's esophagus that increases the risk of esophagus cancer. A doctor should regularly perform endoscope tests to rule this out.