Acid reflux is a common problem, but the reason behind it can vary from person to person. Depending upon the causes; the accompanying symptoms will also differ. This disorder is also known more popularly as gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Knowing the causes of acid reflux is very crucial in proper treatment and management of the problem. The following is a list of causes that you can consider. Any specific details should be discussed with your physician.

1) Problem with the LES

The lower end of the esophagus is guarded by a band of muscles, called as lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscles. When these LES muscles do not function properly; either due to weakening of the muscle tone or atony, then there is a regurgitation of contents of stomach.

This atony or weakness of LES can be caused by certain medications, drug abuse or dietary and nervous factors.

2) Hiatal Hernia

This is a structural abnormality that affects almost 50 % of the senior citizens. While there is nothing serious about this condition, yet it can lead to reflux of gastric contents. The abnormality is caused by the upper part of the stomach protruding through a gap or opening in the diaphragm.

This is the most common cause of GERD and can aggravate weakness and atony of LES muscles.

3) Anomalities in Esophagus

Many a times, the esophagus may have certain genetic anomalies like an adult ringed structure. Here the esophagus is ridden with numerous ring-like structures and hence swallowing and proper passage of food in to the stomach gets obstructed. This is a condition that is more commonly seen in the male population

4) Motility problems

Sometime the motility of the alimentary canal may be affected due to various causes. In such a condition, the stomach muscles are not strong enough to produce spontaneous contractions that can propel the food forwards in to the small intestine. This naturally leads to stagnation of food within the stomach, and when it gets overloaded; some of the food and other gastric contents are forced backwards in to the esophagus by the mounting pressure.

5) Issues with Eating and Diet

Over eating and consumption of certain problematic components in diet may lead to acid reflux and cause other GERD symptoms like heartburn, nausea and bloating. It is necessary to avoid too much of spices, sour foods and oily or greasy foods in diet. Such foods more often than not worsen the acid reflux.

6) Pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy is marked with lot of gastric disturbance and issues with proper digestion of food. Heartburn, acid reflux, nausea and vomiting are all quite common during this stage of pregnancy.

7) Smoking and Drug Abuse

Many medications like NSAIDs, pain killers, antibiotics etc can cause acid reflux and heartburn as an unwanted side effect. Smoking, drinking alcohol and drug abuse can all be leading causes for this problem.

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