The Causes of Severe Acid Reflux


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Acid reflux can wake a person out of bed at night, making for many difficult and sleep deprived days. It is often accompanied by episodes of indigestion, a burning in the throat and esophagus, and for some, chest pains so severe that they are lead to believe that they are having a heart attack.

Acid relux is know clinically as GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is typically called bad heartburn on television commercials that advocate over the counter prescription medications.

The symptoms of GERD are a backing up (also called reflux) of stomach contents into the esophagus which is the tube that connects the throat and the stomach. The acid and bile in that contents can cause chronic inflammation. Symptoms, other than heartburn, can include coughing, difficulty swallowing, a cracking of the voice, and the feeling of knots in the throat.

Those who suffer from GERD complain of the burning pain they feel, which some describe as excruciating.

GERD is a common condition, afflicting at least 50% of the population at some point in their lives. It is estimated that 20% of the North American population experience acid reflux once a week, while 40% experience it once a month.

The root cause of GERD is a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter. This is the muscle that is shaped like a ring and serves as a gate that allows food and liquid to pass by it and into the stomach. It then closes so that the food and liquid stay in the stomach. However, sometimes this sphincter becomes weak and fails to keep the valve closed. That’s when the stomach contents begins to come backup the track.

Once the food an liquid enter the stomach, they become mixed with the aforementioned bile and acids meant to break them down, and it is a particularly corrosive blend. While the lining of the stomach can withstand the acidic contents, the lining of the esophagus cannot. Overtime, repeated exposure to the stomach acids brought up by GERD causes an eroding of the esophageal lining. This can result in bleeding, a narrowing of the esophagus, Barrett’s Condition, an even cancer.

Some people are more prone to GERD than others, particularly those with connective-tissue disorders. Also, certain medications can cause the condition, such as anti-inflammatory ones and some heart drugs that have the side effect of an over-relaxation of the esophageal sphincter.

The most common cause however is poor lifestyle. Being overweight puts you at greater risk for developing this condition. Those with a large waistline also have greater intro-abdominal pressure that can push the stomach contents into the esophagus.

What you eat can play a role in whether you develop symptoms as well as their severity. For instance. Late night, high fat meals before bedtime can cause a bout of GERD. When you lay down, gravity plays its role in the laws of physics, and the foods begins to work it’s way back. The situation can be worsened by the addition of alcoholic drinks which can further relax the sphincter.

If you suffer from GERD like symptoms, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to digest you meals prior to going to bed. Also be sure to moderate your intake of acidic foods like tomato sauce, citrus, chocolate, and products that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks.