What causes acid reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach, including stomach acid, flow back into the esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Acid reflux can cause a burning sensation in the chest, known as heartburn.

Here are some factors that can contribute to acid reflux:

1. Hiatal hernia: This is a condition in which part of the stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. A hiatal hernia can weaken the esophageal sphincter, the muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and the esophagus, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.

2. Delayed gastric emptying: This occurs when the stomach takes longer than normal to empty its contents into the small intestine. Delayed gastric emptying can increase the pressure in the stomach, leading to acid reflux.

3. Increased abdominal pressure: Conditions that increase abdominal pressure, such as obesity, pregnancy, or certain types of abdominal surgery, can contribute to acid reflux by pushing stomach contents up into the esophagus.

4. Certain foods and beverages: Some foods and beverages, such as spicy foods, fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine, can relax the esophageal sphincter and worsen acid reflux.

5. Smoking: Smoking can damage the esophageal sphincter and increase the risk of acid reflux.

6. Medications: Certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and some blood pressure medications, can irritate the esophagus and contribute to acid reflux.

7. Other medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and scleroderma, can cause acid reflux.