Underlying Causes of GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux disease describes a series of severe, chronic symptoms that result when stomach acid enters the esophagus. Certain life choices as well as medicines and other health conditions contribute to the disease.

Symptoms

• During a GERD attack, stomach acid and contents back up into the throat and burn the throat causing heartburn, indigestion, asthma, dry cough, sore throat or difficulty swallowing.

Life Choices

• Eating highly acidic foods, alcohol, chocolate or onions, obesity or overeating during meals from poor diet or exercise and smoking can cause acid reflux, damage to the esophageal lining and bulging of the stomach.

Medicines

• Certain medicines such as steroids and antibiotics also exacerbate or cause symptoms and carry warnings to take with food, antacids or proton pump inhibitors.

Physical Causes

• Abnormal contractions in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle or in the esophagus when swallowing allow acid and other materials to stay in the esophagus. Diseases or illnesses that create high stomach acid levels can also cause acid reflux.

Warning

• Although a hiatal hernia can force push open the esophagus or create a pocket of acid near the LES, not all hiatal hernias result in GERD.