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What Causes Acid Reflex?

If you've ever been awakened in the middle of the night with an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest and throat, then you've experienced acid reflux. Knowing the causes of acid reflux can help you prevent this potentially dangerous condition.

  1. What is Acid Reflux?

    • You may know it as heartburn or acid reflux, but that burning sensation you feel is known to doctors as a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD, or acid reflux disease, is caused when digestive acids from the stomach back up into the esophagus.

      Most people occasionally experience a burning sensation or discomfort that results from acid reflux after eating spicy foods or simply overeating; occasional heartburn is usually more of an uncomfortable inconvenience than a serious health problem. However, persistent, frequent heartburn may be a sign of GERD.

    What Causes Acid Reflux?

    • Acid reflux and GERD are caused by the stomach's digestive juices backflowing into the esophagus. When acid reflux occurs, it is due to the failure of a sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus. If this sphincter does not properly close, stomach acid is able to reach the esophagus, and the burning and discomfort of heartburn results.

      For those who suffer from occasional acid reflux, this problem is generally caused by spicy foods or overeating. However, persistent acid reflux that is left untreated can damage the esophagus, leading to serious health problems, including the increased risk for esophageal cancer.

    What Can Be Done to Prevent Acid Reflux?

    • Often, both occasional acid reflux and persistent acid reflux are caused by the same factors, which can be controlled without medication. The factors that can cause acid reflux include:
      - Ingesting foods and beverages that contribute to heartburn, including spicy, greasy or acidic foods; chocolate; alcoholic beverages and coffee

      - Smoking

      - Being overweight

      - Eating within 2 to 3 hours before bedtime

      - Eating large meals

      Eliminating or controlling these factors will often prevent acid reflux; however, even after modifying behavior that contributes to acid reflux, some people will still need to take over-the-counter or prescription medications to control acid reflux.

    When to See a Doctor About Acid Reflux

    • If you are experiencing serious, persistent acid reflux symptoms, then you need to see a doctor.

      See a doctor right away if your acid reflux symptoms include any of the following:
      - Difficulty swallowing or continual discomfort behind the breast bone

      - Choking or acid reflux that results in coughing, shortness of breath or hoarseness

      - Rectal bleeding, vomiting blood or significant weight loss

      Any of these symptoms may indicate that acid reflux or GERD has caused damage to the esophagus and require medical attention.

    Where to Find a Doctor Who Treats Acid Reflux

    • See your family doctor or visit acg.gi.org/ (see References) to find a gastroenterologist near you if you have concerns that your acid reflux symptoms may be serious.

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