Stomach acids that back up into the esophagus cause gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. The esophagus has a muscular band around the lower portion of the esophagus that, when working properly, closes tightly after swallowing. If the band malfunctions, acid from the stomach can enter the esophagus. This leads to irritation of the lining of the esophagus, and over time the acid can erode the lining of the esophagus. It is important to treat gastroesophageal disease promptly, as the longer someone suffers with the ailment, the more extensive the damage to the esophagus. There are several reasons someone may develop gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Lifestyle
Various lifestyle choices can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease. They include obesity, pregnancy and smoking. Symptoms of pregnancy-related GERD typically subside after delivery. For sufferers who are overweight or smoke, eliminating these risk factors may be enough to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Common Health-related Reasons
Other health-related reasons that someone may develop GERD include diabetes, hiatal hernia and asthma. Managing these diseases is the best way to reduce the risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Connective Tissue Disorders
Connective tissue disorders, such as systemic scleroderma, can lead to acid reflux, which will eventually cause gastroesophageal reflux disease. Some people who suffer from connective tissue diseases also have a problem with the absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract, which can complicate the illness even further.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Zolllinger-Ellison syndrome is a disorder that leads to the development of tumors in the pancreas or upper portion of the small intestines. These tumors produce a large amount of hormones that cause the stomach to produce an excessive amount of digestive acid. The excess acid floods the stomach and overflows into the esophagus, leading to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare disorder, and treatment involves reducing the amount of acid produced by the body.
