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submitted: Aug 25th 2008 | by: RosamondGaven | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 557 | |

Whoever said, "You are what you eat", must have been suffering with acid reflux. It's every true that our food choices affect acid reflux, but there are other contributing factors as well. Acid reflux is a harmful chronic disease that can be cause by a number of underlying problems.

People who suffer with acid reflux feel the discomfort caused when the stomach's caustic fluids back up. This acid reflux response happens when the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES muscle, fails to function properly. Located at the base of the esophagus, these muscles provide a method of opening and closing the passageway into the stomach.

Weakened LES muscles are unable to close completely. As a result, stomach acids creep up and into the esophagus.

Some people suffer acid reflux as a result of an esophagus abnormality. While different parts of the esophagus can become malformed, the two most common abnormalities leading to acid reflux are 'peristalsis' and a condition known as 'adult-ringed esophagus'. If a person has adult-ringed esophagus, small rings form in the throat that inhibit the person from swallowing properly.

Improper functioning of the stomach is another reason that people develop acid reflux. Over fifty percent of all sufferers have impaired stomach muscles that do not respond well to stimuli. These weak stomach muscles can mean that the stomach will retain its contents for an extended period of time, often leading to a backup of acids in the esophagus.

Hiatal hernias are another reason that one may develop acid reflux. The hiatus is a hole located in the diaphragm that helps to secure the passageway between the esophagus and the stomach. The hiatus is usually tight and keeps the organs separate. When the hiatus becomes weakened, it can loosen up and cause the small part of the stomach to actually protrude through the hole. If this happens, a hiatal hernia is said to have occurred. While hiatal hernias are not fully responsible for acid reflux, they may lead to a lack of functioning in the LES muscle, which leads to acid reflux.

Doctors must consider other underlying conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, when diagnosing acid reflux causes. It's estimated that at least half of all people with asthma also suffer from asthma, although it's not clear which disease causes the other.

People with diabetes must be wary of their eating habits, as many diabetics suffer from gastroparesis. This condition can cause a delay in the emptying of the stomach, creating a backup in the stomach and consequently an acid buildup in the esophagus.

Some medications can also play a role in the development of acid reflux. NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may cause a development of acid reflux and can worsen the condition in those who already have it. These over-the-counter drugs are quite common. Some of the most popular brands of NSAID are Advil, Aleve, Motrin and Nuprin. A recent research study showed that people who use these medications regularly are up to two times as likely to experience some acid reflux symptoms.

In listing the causes of acid reflux, diet is only partly to blame. Many other factors can also contribute to this uncomfortable and even dangerous condition. If you suffer from persistent indigestion or acid reflux, make an appointment with your doctor for a complete physical.

About the Author

Essayist Rosamond Gaven enjoys writing articles for several popular Internet sites, on health question and health care issues.

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