Understanding The Causes of Esophageal Reflux Disease
Very few people really understand the causes of esophageal reflux disease, although this digestive problem has steadily been becoming more common in the last few years. Basically, esophageal reflux is just another term for chronic heartburn, which many of us are familiar with. Just like with heartburn, there are many possible causes of esophageal reflux disease and before you can find a remedy, it is important to pinpoint the exact cause first. This is why it is very important to gain an understanding of the different causes of esophageal reflux disease.
Why Does Esophageal Reflux Occur?
Before delving into the possible causes of this digestive problem, you should first understand what goes on in your body when this condition occurs. As you swallow your food, it passes down the esophagus and into the stomach. But this food pipe is not always open. At the bottom of the esophagus is your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which opens and closes the passage from the esophagus into the stomach. As soon as the food has gone through, the LES closes, preventing the stomach acids from entering the esophagus. However, sometimes the LES does not close completely, allowing some acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing the pain that we know as heartburn.
What Causes This Problem?
According to health experts, among the leading causes of esophageal reflux disease is poor lifestyle habits. For instance, smoking has been said to increase the production of gastric acids in the stomach, which is why heavy smokers are more prone to heartburn than non-smokers. Also, obesity is a great risk factor because of the extreme pressure that is exerted on the stomach area, which pushes the acid back up into the esophageal tube. Drinking too much alcohol can also increase the risk of heartburn, as well as the consumption of highly acidic, starchy and fatty foods.
However, sometimes it is not the lifestyle choices of the person that are responsible for the condition. It could also be an illness such as diabetes, tissue disorders, or asthma. Even women who are pregnant are more likely to suffer from the causes of esophageal reflux disease, no matter how awesome their lifestyle habits may be. This is due to the fluctuating hormones in the body, as well as the increased pressure from their growing belly.
Sometimes, esophageal reflux can be prevented simply by making dietary changes or improving your exercise routines. In any case, it would be best to understand the possible causes of esophageal reflux disease so that it would be easier to seek treatment if you need it.
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