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GERD Causes

GERD: Causes


Top Causes

1. Large meals

Consuming large amounts of food can also be responsible for GERD. When the stomach is full, there will be a lot of pressure on the LES or the lower esophageal sphincter. People who are obese and overweight also suffer from acid reflux. Eating a large meal and bending over or lying on your back can aggravate the symptoms. Some people are in the habit of snacking just before bedtime. All these can lead to GERD. People who are addicted to binge eating will have to cut down the amount of food they consume. This is one of the simplest techniques of reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.

2. Diabetes

People who are suffering from type 1 diabetes can develop a condition commonly known as gastroparesis. It affects at least about 20 percent of diabetic patients. The main symptom of this condition is the delay in emptying the stomach. There is some kind of increase in pressure inside the stomach cavity that causes heartburn.

3. Asthma

Many people who suffer from asthma are also known to suffer from GERD. Many experts are under the impression that coughing causes change in the pressure within the chest cavity, which in turn is responsible for triggering heartburn. Some medications used by the asthma patients widen the airways and cause GERD. Many other experts feel that GERD is associated with upper respiratory problems and causes asthma.

4. Medications

Various kinds of drugs are also known to cause GERD. If the person is already suffering from the condition, the symptoms can worsen easily. Some of the most common drugs that are known to trigger GERD are NSAIDs. They include drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen. These are associated with peptic ulcers and enhance the symptoms in those who are already suffering from acid reflux. Other kinds of drugs that are known to cause GERD include anticholinergics, calcium channel blockers, beta adrenergic agonists, sedatives, dopamine, biphosphonates, potassium iron pills and antibiotics. If you have some symptoms of GERD, it is better to speak to your doctor before using these medications.

5. Foods

The symptoms of heartburn can be easily triggered when you consume large amounts of food or lie down immediately after eating your meals. Acid reflux is indicated by symptoms like dry cough and difficulty in swallowing. Various kinds of foods can trigger heartburn such as carbonated beverages, alcohol, chocolate, tea, coffee, citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, fried and fatty foods, onions, garlic, foods that contain tomato like pizza, salsa, spaghetti, mint and spicy foods. Consuming these food items in excessive amounts can cause GERD.

6. Smoking

Smoking is also one of the common causes of GERD. It can cause a lot of changes in the body that result in heartburn. Smoking can damage the mucus membranes, impair the muscle reflexes in your throat, increase the amount of acid secretion, decrease the function of the LES muscle and reduces the proper functioning of the salivation which is responsible for neutralizing the acidโ€™s effect. A heavy smoker can be a candidate for cancer in the esophagus if he has consumes alcohol in large amounts.

7. Abnormalities in the stomach

One of the main causes of GERD is a type of stomach abnormality known as hiatal hernia. It is seen in all age groups. This condition occurs when the LES and the upper part of the stomach move over the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle wall that separates your chest and stomach. When the diaphragm works properly, it keeps the acid from moving into the esophagus. When you suffer from hiatal hernia, the acid can move easily into the esophagus. Pregnant women experience acid reflux because of the pressure from the fetus and the increased levels of hormones. The condition can become worse during the third trimester and usually recede after pregnancy.

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