Are you no stranger to the discomfort of 'heartburn' after a meal, wondering why this keeps happening? The pain may be associated with a prevalent disorder, often what causes acid reflux referred to as acid reflux or, medically, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Acid reflux is an extraordinarily widespread and regularly occurring ailment affecting a large number of people globally. Before we discuss what provokes this condition, let's first understand what precisely acid reflux is.
The condition of acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)–the muscular valve where the esophagus joins the stomach–weakens or relaxes inappropriately, enabling stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This reflux of stomach acid agitates and damages the lining of the esophagus and can create a burning pain known as 'heartburn.'
So, if you are inquiring about the causes of acid reflux, remember that the primary cause is the malfunctioning of the LES. But this condition can be aggravated by numerous additional factors.
Further causes are certain nutritional intake and drinks. Consuming hard-to-digest foods, fatty or greasy foods, spicy food, chocolate, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages could provoke acid reflux. Smoking is another critical contributor as it can hamper the operation of the LES.
Overeating or eating too much at one time, especially before bedtime, can also cause acid reflux prominently. Additionally, conditions such as obesity and pregnancy escalate the risk of acid reflux.
Additional probable causes can encompass certain medications, including aspirin and certain muscle relaxants. Stress can also impact the incidence of acid reflux, whilst not a direct cause, high levels of stress may stimulate behaviors that can trigger acid reflux.
In summary, although the underlying cause of acid reflux is the dysfunction of the LES, there exist many secondary triggers that can exacerbate this issue. Understanding these causes is an essential step for prevention and effective treatment.