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Why People Get Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a condition in which acid flows back from the stomach into the esophagus. Symptoms include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, chest pain and hoarseness. The esophagus can become damaged and ulcerated, which can make swallowing foods and liquids difficult. There is a wide variety of reasons that people get acid reflex.

  1. The Facts

    • When you swallow, your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a band of muscle around your lower esophagus, relaxes to allow food into your stomach. Once food or liquid has passed, it closes again. But if the LES weakens or doesn't close, stomach acid can flow back into your esophagus and cause acid reflux. If acid reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week, you have acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

    Common Causes

    • Food choices are one of the most common causes of acid reflux. Certain foods trigger or aggravate this condition, including coffee, alcohol, fried foods, carbonated beverages and citrus foods and juices. High-fat foods and spicy foods may also be triggers.

    Risk Factors

    • A stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia can also cause acid reflux disease. If you eat a large meal just before bedtime or lie down immediately after eating, you may begin to feel the discomfort of acid reflex. Pregnancy and smoking are also risk factors for this common condition. Certain medications including ibuprofen, aspirin or muscle relaxants can trigger acid reflux.

    Symptoms

    • The most common symptom of acid reflux disease is heartburn, a burning sensation that may move from your stomach to your throat. You may experience a sour or bitter-tasting sensation in the back of your throat. You may feel nauseated, hoarse or have a chronic sore throat.

    Considerations

    • If you experience acid reflex more than twice a week, see your doctor. Initial treatment usually involves using over-the-counter medication. If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend prescription medication. More than one type of medication may be combined to increase effectiveness.

    Prevention/Solution

    • For many people, reducing or eliminating acid reflux is as simple as avoiding the foods that trigger it. Eat small, frequent meals, and don't eat just before bedtime. Avoid wearing tight clothes. Over-the-counter medications may relieve occasional symptoms of acid reflux. If you are not sure what triggers your heartburn, begin keeping a journal in which you record what foods you eat, what activities you participate in and when symptoms occur. This journal can help you identify your triggers.

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