Acid Reflux Causes
Acid reflux disease is a disease that affects millions of people. Acid reflux causes symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, nausea and vomiting, and esophageal ulcers. The way acid reflux works is when the stomach produces acid that is needed to digest food, the acid refluxes (pushes) its way up from the stomach into the esophagus. There are several acid reflux causes, but there is not yet a cure.
One acid reflux cause is when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is muscle tissue at the base of the esophagus, fails to function correctly. This muscle is like a rubber band and contracts to block the acid from rising up into the esophagus. When the muscle weakens or fails, there is no barrier for the acid and acid reflux occurs.
There are two abnormalities of the esophagus that can be acid reflux causes. One is more common in older adult males, but can happen to anyone, where constrictive rings form around the lining of the esophagus. This is appropriately called adult ringed esophagus. The other is called a motility abnormality. This is defined by the failing of the spontaneous muscle action in the esophagus. Both of these abnormalities can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or feeling as if the throat is closing or there is something stuck in the throat. Impaired motility is the failing of the spontaneous muscle of the stomach; this can cause the more common acid reflux symptoms.
It is not always known if an acid reflux cause is complications from asthma, or if asthma is caused from complications from acid reflux. Some medications taken for asthma can cause the LES to weaken from the constant forcing of the airways to open. This problem with the LES can also be caused from the coughing and wheezing associated with asthma. However, acid reflux can cause asthma because of the many upper respiratory problems patients suffer when they have acid reflux disease.
A hiatal hernia is one of the more common acid reflux causes. Hiatal hernia is the weakening of the hiatus (the hole where the esophagus meets the stomach). When the hiatus is weak it is unable to block the acids from entering the esophagus, allowing it to back up.
Some other acid reflux causes can be complications from diabetes, cancer, and peptic ulcers. Genetics also play a role in acid reflux disease. Studies have shown that the strength of the muscles, including those of the stomach and in the esophagus, can be determined in part by genes. This acid reflux cause can be hindered by a good exercise program to strengthen the stomach muscles. Crunches and sit-ups are good.
Once someone has acid reflux disease, there is no cure. There are ways to control the symptoms though. Symptoms of acid reflux can be controlled by using over the counter antacids or prescription medications. A foam tablet is also available by prescription that, when taken, foams up in the stomach to block the acid from refluxing back into the esophagus. In some cases surgery is an option for acid reflux disease.
Learn more about acid reflux, acid reflux cough, foods that cause acid reflux, natural cure for acid reflux, stop acid reflux, what is acid reflux, acid reflux foods to avoid, acid reflux causes, acid reflux diet tips, how to recognize acid reflux disease, and recognizing symptoms of GERD.
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