Acid Reflux Causes
Acid Reflux, sometimes used interchangeably with "heartburn", is defined as stomach acid passing up into the esophagus. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is the development of chronic acid reflux and can lead to serious complications over time. Common symptoms of acid reflux include a burning sensation in the chest area, acid backing up into your throat or mouth causing an unpleasant taste, and dyspepsia which is a general term used to describe different types of stomach discomfort. Though acid reflux is very common, affecting tens of millions of Americans every month, the causes of acid reflux are quite varied and it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the cause in a particular individual.
Acid Reflux – Common Causes
Acid reflux is always caused by an increase in the amount of stomach acid. There can be several reasons for this increase.
1. Hiatal hernia causes acid reflux, as the diaphragm can no longer efficiently keep acid in the stomach.
2. Pregnancy commonly causes acid reflux as a result of hormones and pressure from the baby.
3. Smoking damages mucous membranes, increases acid secretion and decreases saliva all of which increase your chances of developing acid reflux.
Acid Reflux Foods
There are many different foods that can be responsible for an increase in stomach acid and thus, acid reflux disease. Many people know that alcohol, caffeinated beverages and coffee can instigate these problems. Additional foods that may be at issue include products that contain tomato or tomato based sauces, chocolate, high fat foods, fried foods, garlic and onions, and spicy foods.
Acid Reflux – Less Common Causes
Other causes to watch out for include the following:
1. Exercise
2. Lying down after a large meal
3. Overeating
4. Medications such as aspirin or muscle relaxants
5. Stress
These causes are not as common as others, but may still play a role in acid reflux problems. As you might expect, having several of these risk factors can make acid reflux more common and more severe. Thus, it's important to identify as many of the causes as possible for your acid reflux.
Treatment
There are numerous treatments available for acid reflux. Your choice will depend on a variety of factors including the severity of your problem, the causes of your acid reflux and your medical history. Consulting a doctor is a wise choice if your acid reflux is not easily controlled or is a frequent occurrence.
Consider the following treatment options for acid reflux:
1. Over-the-counter medications
2. Natural or homeopathic remedies
3. Prescription medications
4. Lifestyle changes
The easiest and best first step to take in addressing acid reflux issues is to identify the causes and make lifestyle changes to eliminate or reduce the problem. This can be done with or without the help of a doctor, though if you don't experience success in symptom control, consultation with a qualified professional is advised.
 | What does acid reflux feel like? The sensation of stomach acid flowing up into the esophagus is one that brings with it a heap of problems. |
 | Acid reflux remedies can't cure this condition, but they can help make living with acid reflux much more tolerable. |
 | Knowing what food to avoid if you have acid reflux will help you keep those unpleasant acid reflux symptoms at bay. |
An explanation of when Heartburn isn't just Heartburn, but something more serious. |
There are several causes that contribute to acid relfux. Improper function of the LES, overeating, eating the wrong foods, failing to chew food well, and lying down after meals are just a few factors that can cause acid reflux disease. |
