Acid reflux is a condition that causes symptoms similar to heartburn, but it is much different. Unlike heartburn, acid reflux disease is more persistent and less responsive to changes in diet. Over time, if left untreated, acid reflux disease can damage the esophagus. Learning to recognize the symptoms and taking steps to avoid the conditions that can cause this disease can help you minimize its affects.
Identification
Acids within your stomach help break down and digest the food you eat. Your stomach is connected to your esophagus or food tube. Where the stomach and esophagus connect is a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). As the food travels down the esophagus, the LES opens to allow it to travel into the stomach, and then it closes, to keep the food and acid from backing up into the esophagus. When the acid does come back up, you are diagnosed with acid reflux disease.
Abnormal LES
The primary cause of acid reflux disease is an improperly functioning lower esophageal sphincter. It is made up of muscle, and its primary function is to keep your food and stomach acids moving through your system in the correct direction. If this muscle becomes weak or too relaxed, it may not close properly, which allows acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
Hiatal Hernia
Having a hiatal hernia can cause acid reflux disease. If you have a hiatal hernia, a portion of your upper stomach abnormally extends into the diaphragm, pushing some of your stomach and the LES into the chest cavity. In this case, the diaphragm muscle is also restricted from contracting and relaxing properly and will not allow the LES to open and close as it should.
Contributing Factors
Certain circumstances can put you at higher risk of developing acid reflux disease. Obesity and pregnancy can be factors. Eating large meals can cause the stomach to become distended. All of these lead to extra weight, which compresses the stomach and can interfere with the proper functioning of the LES and diaphragm.
Other Causes
Many foods can contribute to the development of acid reflux. This includes chocolate, spicy foods, foods that are fried or high in fat, caffeine and alcohol, mint and foods that are tomato based. Other triggers include drinks with carbonation, vinegar, aspirin and some anti-inflammatory medications.
