Acid reflux disease is known as a regurgitation of acid from the stomach to the esophagus which can later lead to inflammation of the organ (esophagitis). This kind of abnormal condition is caused by too much intake of fatty foods and a constant practice of taking a nap, bending down, or lifting objects after a meal. These are all common causes of acid reflux. On the other hand, the most common symptom is heartburn. This is described as a burning sensation which can be felt from the stomach and slowly radiates to the chest and throat. These may be the common causes and symptom, but the persistence of Gastroesophageal Regurgitation Disease (GERD) might be secondary to existing health conditions or abnormal structures of body organs. Here are some possibilities.
First is the malfunction of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter muscles, which can be caused by drugs’ adverse effect or nervous system problems. This smooth muscle is responsible of keeping the pressure by closing and opening appropriately to avoid contents to come back from the stomach. Once the muscles in these area would loosen, the tendency is to prevent the sphincter from closing completely thus allowing acid entrance from the stomach to the esophagus.
Second condition that can contribute to persistence of GERD is impaired stomach nerve or muscle function. Impairment in the stomach causes problem in making the muscle of the stomach function consistently and continuously. It delays emptying of food thus may cause acid to regurgitate to the esophagus.
Third is Hiatal hernia. This is a condition when the hiatus, a small hole in the diaphragm is weakened or was enlarged and causes protrusion in the stomach muscles. This is usually common to older people ages 60 and above. This kind of problem can impair the function of lower esophageal sphincter muscle function. This can therefore increase the possibility of aggravating acid reflux attacks.
Last is the possibility that abnormalities in the esophagus cause GERD persistent recurrence. Recent studies had shown that hoarseness of voice, a feeling of lump in the throat and chronic cough are related to problems arising in the esophagus and causes atypical Gastroesophageal reflux disease. These conditions are malfunction of esophagus peristalsis and the adult-ringed esophagus. The latter is an abnormality which the esophagus develops many rings in it, thus causing difficulty of swallowing food. This is common to male than in female.
There are certainly various causes of acid reflux, and the first important step of treatment is identifying the main cause. From this, you can start a proper care plan on how to prevent GERD symptoms. It is useless to keep treating acid reflux, when the real culprit behind is not known. Most of the time, there will be relief once the primary abnormal condition is diagnosed and treated.
