Acid Reflux Causes

Does weight affect your chances of having heartburn? There have been studies that have shown that being overweight, especially around your middle, can increase your chance of experiencing heartburn. This increases your risk for a number of reasons:

• There is more pressure against your stomach
• With this increased pressure on the stomach, stomach contents may be pressing against the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
• If there is increased pressure against the LES, it may open when it shouldn't, and can allow stomach acid and other stomach contents to back up into the esophagus

Does this mean if you lose weight you'll never experience heartburn again? Not necessarily, especially if your heartburn is caused by other conditions, such as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or if certain foods trigger your heartburn. There are also people who suffer from heartburn who have never been overweight. But if you are overweight or obese, losing weight is good for you even if the heartburn episodes don't entirely disappear. Studies have found when patients lose even 5 to 10 percent of their excess weight, they begin to have fewer heartburn episodes.

How Does Heartburn Happen?To fully understand heartburn, it’s important to understand the mechanisms of a healthy digestive system. You have just enjoyed a big dinner at your favorite Mexican restaurant, hot and spicy, just the way you like it. But now you're paying for it with that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest and throat. Heartburn, which has nothing to do with the heart but can mimic a heart attack, is not life-threatening. In fact, occasional heartburn is fairly common. However, frequent heartburn may be a sign of a more serious problem called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic condition caused by irritating stomach acids that back up into the esophagus, the tube that links your mouth to your stomach. Heartburn is common among Americans. More than 60 million Americans have heartburn at least once a month, and about 15 million have it daily.

Heartburn happens when acidic juices from the stomach splash into the esophagus. Normally, a muscular valve at the lower end of the esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), keeps the acid solution in the stomach and out of the esophagus. Smoking decreases the strength of the esophageal valve, thereby allowing stomach acids to reflux, or flow backward into the esophagus.

Smoking also seems to promote the movement of bile salts from the intestine to the stomach, which makes the stomach acids more harmful. Finally, smoking may directly injure the esophagus, making it less able to resist further damage from refluxed fluids.

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Peptic Ulcer

A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. The exact cause of ulcers is not known. A relationship between smoking cigarettes and ulcers, especially duodenal ulcers, does exist. The 1989 Surgeon General's report stated that ulcers are more likely to occur, less likely to heal, and more likely to cause death in smokers than in nonsmokers.

Why is this so? Doctors are not really sure, but smoking does seem to be one of several factors that work together to promote the formation of ulcers.

For example, some research suggests that smoking might increase a person's risk of infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Most peptic ulcers are caused by this bacterium.

Stomach acid is also important in producing ulcers. Normally, most of this acid is buffered by the food we eat. Most of the unbuffered acid that enters the duodenum is quickly neutralized by sodium bicarbonate, a naturally occurring alkali produced by the pancreas. Some studies show that smoking reduces the bicarbonate produced by the pancreas, interfering with the neutralization of acid in the duodenum. Other studies suggest that chronic cigarette smoking may increase the amount of acid secreted by the stomach.

Whatever causes the link between smoking and ulcers, two points have been repeatedly demonstrated: People who smoke are more likely to develop an ulcer, especially a duodenal ulcer, and ulcers in smokers are less likely to heal quickly in response to otherwise effective treatment. This research tracing the relationship between smoking and ulcers strongly suggests that a person with an ulcer should stop smoking.

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Gallstones

Several studies suggest that smoking may increase the risk of developing gallstones and that the risk may be higher for women. However, research results on this topic are not consistent, and more study is needed.

Heartburn and the Digestive System

So how and why does heartburn happen? To fully understand heartburn, it is important to understand the mechanisms of a healthy digestive system. Your digestive tract starts with your mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva, starting the process of digestion. From here, food travels to the esophagus, or swallowing tube. This muscular tube makes tiny contractions, called peristalsis, to move the food to the stomach.

 

The esophagus and stomach are connected by a band of muscle fibers called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, the LES works like a valve, opening to allow food to pass into the stomach and closing to keep food and digestive juices from flowing back into the esophagus. But if the sphincter relaxes when it shouldn't, or becomes weak, stomach acid can flow backward into the esophagus causing the burning sensation we know as heartburn.

 

Heartburn Triggers

Some people have a naturally weak LES that is unable to withstand normal pressure from the contents of the stomach. But other factors also can contribute to this weakening, such as:

• Eating foods that often trigger heartburn, such as acidic foods (e.g. tomatoes and citrus fruits)
• Drinking alcohol
• Smoking cigarettes
• Having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and asthma

Excessive pressure on the abdomen can put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus, or even the mouth. Pregnant women and overweight people are especially prone to heartburn for this reason. Even wearing tight-fitting clothes can cause pressure in the area. And because the esophageal sphincter is located in the upper part of the stomach, heartburn sufferers can experience increased symptoms when they lie down or have a full stomach.

 

 

Other Factors

There are other factors that also may contribute to reflux. Some people have abnormal muscle or nerve function in the stomach that affects motility, the ability of the stomach muscles to contract in a normal fashion. This results in food spending more time in the stomach, increasing the chance of acid seeping back into the esophagus.

Other medical conditions that may contribute to GERD include asthma, diabetes and a hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernia is a condition in which there is an opening in the diaphragm, the muscular wall below the lungs that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity – permitting the upper stomach to protrude through the hole into the chest, impairing the LES's ability to prevent reflux.

Often, more than one of these factors contributes to the development of GERD, only underscoring the importance of consulting with your physician for the appropriate diagnosis and course of treatment. Understanding the body's digestive system can help heartburn sufferers understand their symptoms, make helpful lifestyle modifications and communicate with their doctors.

Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus that affects the esophagus' ability to move food toward the stomach. Also, the valve from the esophagus to the stomach (lower esophageal sphincter or LES) does not relax enough during swallowing to allow food to enter the stomach. Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus that affects the esophagus' ability to move food toward the stomach. Also, the valve from the esophagus to the stomach (lower esophageal sphincter or LES) does not relax enough during swallowing to allow food to enter the stomach.

Characteristics of Achalasia

There are three primary characteristics of achalasia:

• Failure of the LES to relax during swallowing.
• Loss of the wave-like contractions of smooth muscles (called peristalsis) that forces food through the digestive tract.
• Lack of nervous stimulation to the esophagus.

Causes of Achalasia

• Damage to the nerves to the esophagus
• Parasitic infection
• Cancers
• Hereditary factors.

Risk factors for achalasia

Achalasia is a rare disorder, may occur at any age, but is most common in middle-aged or older adults.

Symptoms of Achalasia

• Difficulty swallowing liquids and solids
• Regurgitation of food
• Chest pain which may increase after eating or may radiate to the back, neck, and arms
• Unexplained weight loss
• Heartburn
• Cough

Diagnostic Tests for Achalasia

An upper GI x-ray test or barium esophagogram may show absence of peristalsis, a dilated proximal esophagus, and a narrowing at the bottom of the esophagus. The diagnosis is confirmed with esophageal manometry. Physical examination may show signs of anemia.

Treatment of Achalasia

• The approach to treatment is to reduce the pressure at the lower esophageal sphincter. This may be achieved by manipulating the lower esophagus sphincter with special instruments.

   

• Therapy usually involves dilation of the lower sphincter or injection with botulinum toxin to paralyze it and prevent spasms. Medications such as long-acting nitrates or calcium channel blockers can also be used to lower the pressure at the lower esophagus sphincter.

   

• Surgery to decrease the pressure in the lower sphincter (called an esophagomyotomy) may be indicated if other interventions fail.

Prognosis for Achalasia Patients

Surgical outcomes are good -- dilation alone often results in only temporary improvement in symptoms.

Complications of Achalasia

• Tearing (perforation) of the esophagus
• Regurgitation of acid or food from the stomach into the esophagus (reflux)
• Aspiration of food contents into the lung that can cause pneumonia

Prevention of Achalasia

Many of the causes of achalasia are not preventable. However, treatment of the disorder may help to prevent complications.

Smoking has been shown to have harmful effects on all parts of the digestive system, contributing to such common disorders as heartburn and peptic ulcers. It also increases the risk of Crohn's disease and possibly gallstones. Smoking seems to affect the liver, too, by changing the way it handles drugs and alcohol. In fact, there seems to be...

A new study suggests that drinking alcohol, coffee and tea may not cause acid reflux disease as once thought. That is surprising enough, but even more unexpected was the findings that table salt may increase a person's risk of developing acid reflux by 70%. A new study suggests that drinking alcohol, coffee and tea may not cause acid reflux disease as once thought. That is surprising enough, but even more unexpected was the findings that table salt may increase a person's risk of developing acid reflux by 70.

In a recent study, researchers in Sweden had set out to identify the lifestyle factors that can cause acid reflux, and they came to some surprising conclusions. While smoking, as expected, strongly increases the risk for developing acid reflux disease, drinking alcohol had little impact. The same was found true with coffee and tea.

Does this mean that if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD--commonly referred to as acid reflux disease) you can drink alcohol, coffee, and tea with no reflux problems? No. While this study shows alcohol, coffee, and tea don't appear to cause acid reflux disease, they can still make reflux symptoms worse in those diagnosed with the disease.

As stated by Magnus Nilsson, MD, of Stockholm's Karolinska Hospital: "We know that drinking alcohol causes symptoms to occur in people who already have acid reflux disease, so we were quite surprised to find that long-term use did not increase the risk of developing it."

For those individuals who don't have GERD, alcohol consumption doesn't increase your risk of developing GERD. There are other factors, however, that will increase your risk of developing acid reflux disease.

It has been known for quite some time that smoking increases the risk of developing acid reflux disease, and worsens symptoms in those who suffer from it. What wasn't widely known was that people who had smoked every day for more than 20 years are 70 more likely to have acid reflux than non-smokers.

What hasn't been known, and what researchers found in the above mentioned study, is that people who ate large amounts of salt had a similar increase in risk for developing acid reflux disease as smokers do. Table salt hasn't been previously implicated as a trigger for acid reflux, but this study found that there was a 70 increased risk of developing acid reflux among those who always used extra table salt daily compared with those who did not.

Dr. Roshini Rajapaksa, a gastroenterologist at New York University Medical Center, offers one possible for salt being a cause for acid reflux. She said it's possible that the people who are adding a lot of salt to their food may also be eating greasier foods, foods which may increase their risk of heartburn.

There are several digestive disorders, such as GERD, ulcers and hiatal hernias, that can cause heartburn symptoms. Knowing the facts will help in the treatment and prevention of heartburn. There are several digestive disorders, such as GERD, ulcers and hiatal hernias, that can cause heartburn symptoms. Knowing the facts will help in the treatment and prevention of heartburn.

GERD - Acid Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus.

Children and GERD
Children, and even infants, can suffer from heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Here you'll find information on childhood acid reflux and treatment information.

Peptic Ulcers
An ulcer is an area of the stomach or duodenal (the first part of the small intestine) lining that becomes eroded by the stomach acid. Known individually as stomach and duodenal ulcers, collectively they are known as peptic ulcers. Learn about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and complications involved with peptic ulcers.

Hiatal Hernia
Some people suffer from Gastroesophageal reflux disease because they have a hiatal hernia. Learn what a hiatal hernia is, and how to live with it.

Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Several things can cause gastritis, one of which is chronic bile reflux. Although it doesn't cause heartburn, some of the symptoms are similar to those produced by heartburn, and it's treated in a similar way to GERD, by taking medication to reduce stomach acid.

Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. It often occurs in people with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. One of the symptoms is heartburn.

There are several causes of heartburn / acid reflux. There are those that are the most frequent causes of heartburn. Finding out what these are can help you make changes in your lifestyle and habit so you can prevent the acid reflux from happening.There are several causes of heartburn / acid reflux. There are several that are the most frequent causes of heartburn. Finding out what these are can help you make changes in your lifestyle and habit so you can prevent the acid reflux from happening.

Coffee, tea, and other drinks that contain caffeine
Caffeine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus.

Chocolate
Chocolate contains concentrations of theobromine (a compound that occurs naturally in many plants such as cocoa, tea and coffee plants), which relaxes the esophageal sphincter muscle, letting stomach acid squirt up into the esophagus.

Fried and fatty foods
These foods tend to slow down digestion, keeping the food in your stomach longer. This can result in increases pressure in the stomach, which in turn puts more pressure on a weakened LES, allowing reflux of stomach contents.

Tomatoes and tomato-based products
These foods relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Alcohol
Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. It also increases the production of stomach acid.

Tobacco
The chemicals in cigarette smoke weaken the LES as they pass from the lungs into the blood.

Large meals
A full stomach can put extra pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which will increase the chance that some of this food will reflux into the esophagus.

Citrus fruits and juices
These foods relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Eating within 2 to 3 hours prior to bedtime
Lying down with a full stomach can cause stomach contents to press harder against the LES, increasing the chances of refluxed food.

Wearing tight fitting clothing
Clothing that fits tightly around the abdomen will squeeze the stomach, forcing food up against the LES, and cause food to reflux into the esophagus. Clothing that can cause problems include tight-fitting belts and slenderizing undergarments.

Some people who suffer from heartburn report to others that they are suffering from a case of indigestion. Though they both have similar triggers, and treatment may be the same in many instances, indigestion isn't the same thing as heartburn. For example, indigestion is the condition, and heartburn occasionally is a symptom. Some people who suffer from heartburn report to others that they are suffering from a case of indigestion. Though they both have similar triggers, and treatment may be the same in many instances, indigestion isn't the same thing as heartburn. For example, indigestion is the condition, and heartburn occasionally is a symptom of indigestion.

Indigestion is a vague feeling of discomfort and pain in the upper abdomen and chest, including a feeling of fullness and bloating, accompanied by belching and nausea. Occasionally, heartburn is one of the symptoms. It is a common problem, and can be triggered by several things. These include eating particular foods, drinking alcoholic or carbonated beverages, eating too fast or too much, eating fatty or spicy foods, drinking too much caffeine, or eating too much high-fiber foods. Symptoms have also been shown to be worsened by anxiety and depression.

Common causes of indigestion:

• Overeating
• Eating too fast
• Significant caffeine intake
• Eating fatty or spicy foods
• Significant alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• Chronic or acute gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
• Chronic or acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Duodenal ulcer
• Gastric ulcer
• Antibiotics
• Aspirin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Other causes of indigestion:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
  This is a bacterium that lives in the mucus layer of the stomach, that can cause irritation (gastritis) and ulcers. If H. pylori is diagnosed, it can be treated.
• Hiatal hernia
  This occurs when part of the stomach slides upward through the diaphragm, and into the chest cavity. Besides indigestion, hiatal hernia can cause pain and heartburn.

Symptoms

• Heartburn, a burning pain that usually starts in the chest, behind the breastbone.
• Pain, that occurs in the upper abdomen or the chest. It may or may not be related to overeating or consuming a trigger food or beverage.
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Burping
• Flatulence

Because indigestion can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an ulcer or occasionally cancer, anyone experiencing the following symptoms in addition to indigestion should consult with their doctor.

• Unplanned weight loss
• Severe pain
• Anyone over 45 who has not previously suffered with any indigestion problems

Immediate medical attention is needed for anyone who experiences either of the following symptoms:

• Vomiting with specks of blood or with blood that looks like coffee-grounds
• Vomiting fresh blood

As researchers learn more about the many diseases that affect the digestive system, people are gradually replacing folklore, old wives' tales, and rumors about causes and treatments of digestive diseases with accurate information. But misunderstandings still exist, and while some folklore is harmless, some can be dangerous if it keeps a person...

Introduction: The digestive system

Researchers have only recently begun to understand the many, often complex diseases that affect the digestive system. Accordingly, people are gradually replacing folklore, old wives' tales, and rumors about the causes and treatments of digestive diseases with accurate, up-to-date information. But misunderstandings still exist, and while some folklore is harmless, some can be dangerous if it keeps a person from correctly preventing or treating an illness. Listed below are some common misconceptions (fallacies), about digestive diseases, followed by the facts as professionals understand them today.

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Ulcers

Spicy food and stress cause stomach ulcers.

False.

The truth is, almost all stomach ulcers are caused either by infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or by use of pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, the so-called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Most H. pylori-related ulcers can be cured with antibiotics. NSAID-induced ulcers can be cured with time, stomach-protective medications, antacids, and avoidance of NSAIDs. Spicy food and stress may aggravate ulcer symptoms in some people, but they do not cause ulcers. Ulcers can also be caused by cancer.

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Heartburn

Smoking a cigarette helps relieve heartburn.

False.

Actually, cigarette smoking contributes to heartburn. Heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)--a muscle between the esophagus and stomach--relaxes, allowing the acidic contents of the stomach to splash back into the esophagus. Cigarette smoking causes the LES to relax.

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Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a rare childhood disease.

False.

Celiac disease affects both children and adults. About 1 in 200 people in the United States have celiac disease. Sometimes celiac disease first causes symptoms during childhood, usually diarrhea, growth failure, and failure to thrive. But the disease can also first cause symptoms in adults of any age. These symptoms may be vague and therefore attributed to other conditions. Symptoms can include bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin rash, anemia, and thinning of the bones (osteoporosis). Celiac disease may cause such nonspecific symptoms for several years before being correctly diagnosed and treated.

People with celiac disease should not eat any foods containing gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley, whether they have symptoms or not. In celiac disease, gluten destroys part of the lining of the small intestine, which interferes with the absorption of nutrients. Even a small amount of gluten can cause damage, and sometimes no symptoms will be apparent.

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Bowel Regularity

Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day.

False.

The frequency of bowel movements among normal, healthy people varies from three a day to three a week, and some perfectly healthy people fall outside both ends of this range.

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Constipation

Habitual use of enemas to treat constipation is harmless.

False.

Habitual use of enemas is not harmless. Over time, enemas can impair the natural muscle action of the intestines, leaving them unable to function normally. An ongoing need for enemas is not normal; you should see a doctor if you find yourself relying on them or any other medication to have a bowel movement.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease.

True.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease, although it is also called a functional disorder. Irritable bowel syndrome involves a problem in how the muscles in the intestines work and pain perception in the bowel. It is characterized by gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. Although the syndrome can cause considerable pain and discomfort, it does not damage the digestive tract as organic diseases do. Also, irritable bowel syndrome does not lead to more serious digestive diseases later, such as cancer.

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Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is a serious but uncommon problem.

False.

Actually, the majority of Americans over age 60 have diverticulosis, but only a small percentage have symptoms or complications. Diverticulosis is a condition in which little sacs or out-pouchings called diverticula develop in the wall of the colon. These sacs tend to appear and increase in number with age. Most people have no symptoms and learn that they have diverticula after an x ray or intestinal examination. Less than 10 percent of people with diverticulosis ever develop complications such as infection (diverticulitis), bleeding, or perforation of the colon.

If you are suffering from stomach pain, you need to find the cause before you can start a treatment. Listed below are a few of the conditions that can cause stomach pain. If you are suffering from stomach pain, you need to find the cause before you can start a treatment. Listed below are a few of the conditions that can cause stomach pain. As always, you should discuss your symptoms with your doctor for an evaluation to diagnose the cause.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a digestive symptom that occurs when stomach acid comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus, causing irritation.

The symptoms of heartburn include a burning sensation behind your breastbone that may also travel to your throat. Other symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, and a sour taste in the mouth. Symptoms can get worse soon after you eat or if you lie down shorty after eating.

There are various causes of heartburn. These causes include eating foods that can trigger heartburn, pregnancy, asthma, diabetes, and hiatal hernias.

You can eliminate the heartburn in a number of ways, including chewing gum (although for some patients this worsens the pain), drinking seltzer, or taking an antacid. If you have frequent heartburn, you should see your doctor for evaluation. If you are diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), your doctor may suggest the use of H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for relief from heartburn. First steps, however, will be to make some lifestyle modifications and avoid foods that can cause heartburn.

Related Resources:

• Meal Planning Tips for Preventing Heartburn
• Dining Out Without Heartburn
• Foods with Little Risk of Causing Heartburn
• Preventing Nighttime Heartburn

Peptic Ulcer

A peptic ulcer is an erosion or sore that forms either in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or in the lining of the duodenum (duodenal ulcer).

Symptoms of a peptic ulcer vary from patient to patient, but can include a burning or gnawing pain in your stomach that often feels worse when your stomach is empty, and better after you have eaten.

The most frequent cause of a peptic ulcer is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Other causes of peptic ulcers may include alcohol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The most common NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.

Treatment of peptic ulcers depends on the cause. If the cause is H. pylori, the standard treatment is antibiotics. A proton pump inhibitor may also be prescribed. If NSAIDS are the cause of your ulcer, you should stop taking them. During the healing process for an NSAID-induced ulcer, your doctor may recommend the use of antacids to neutralize the acid, and H2-blockers or proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid production.

Related Resources

• Surgery for Peptic Ulcers
• Complications of Peptic Ulcers
• Peptic Ulcer Warning Signs
• Peptic Ulcers in Children

Gallstones

There are two types of gallstones -- cholesterol stones and pigment stones. Cholesterol stones are the most common type of gallstone, occurring in approximately 80% of patients with gallstones. Cholesterol stones are made mostly of hardened cholesterol, and are usually yellowish-green in color. Pigment stones are made of bilirubin, and are usually small and dark in color.

Symptoms of gallstones can include pain in the upper abdomen that rapidly worsens and can last from a few minutes to a few hours, nausea and/or vomiting, and heartburn. Gallstone pain often feels sharper and more localized than heartburn or ulcer pain. If the pain doesn't go away within a few hours, or if you are vomiting or have a fever, you should go to your doctor.

Causes of gallstones are usually the result of too much cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile. There are risk factors for developing gallstones, and these can be a combination of factors, including heredity, body chemistry, body type, gender, and maybe even diet.

Treatment of gallstones depends partly on whether you are experiencing symptoms or not. If you have symptoms, especially severe pain, surgical removal of the gallbladder is the most common treatment. If you have no symptoms, you and your doctor may decide that no treatment is needed.