Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the muscle tissue surrounding the lower esophagus. The LES is what prevents stomach contents from coming up into the esophagus. However, when there is weakening in the LES, the inability to completely close the esophagus allows the stomach acid to rise into the esophagus which causes the acid reflux. There are certain causes which can create the LES muscular weakening which leads to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernias occur as a result of the upper stomach pushing up into the chest. Not all patients with a hiatal hernia have GERD. However, severe acid reflux can occur in certain patients.
Peristalsis
Peristalsis is an esophageal abnormality in which the action of the spontaneous muscle does not function properly. This is a common problem with people who suffer from GERD. Additional symptoms which also may be present in patients with esophageal abnormalities include hoarseness and/or chronic cough. The person may also feel like there is a lump in the throat.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a stomach disorder in which it takes a longer period of time to empty the contents of the stomach. Due to the longer time period as well as increased pressure in the stomach, the acid can move back into the esophagus leading to GERD. People with diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes, are at an increased risk of developing gastroparesis which leads to GERD.
Pregnancy
During a pregnancy, a woman has elevated progestin hormones. This rise in progestin relaxes the LES which leads to GERD. Another contributing factor to GERD in pregnant women is the increased pressure of the uterus.
Obesity
Due to the increased pressure of the stomach, there is often a back up of acid into the esophageal area.
Medications
Certain medications can lead to GERD. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAID’s, can contribute to GERD. Types of NSAID’s include ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen. Biophosphonates is a drug used to treat osteoporosis. This class of drugs can create irritation of the esophagus and GERD. Other medications which may contribute to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease include dopamine which is commonly used in patients with Parkinson’s Disease, calcium channel blockers which are used to treat angina and high blood pressure, beta adrenergic agonists which are used for obstructive lung diseases and asthma, antibiotics, sedatives, iron pills, potassium and anticholinergics which may be used to treat glaucoma, allergies and urinary tract disorders.
Asthma
Studies have shown that over half of asthma patients also suffer from GERD. The coughing which happens during an asthma attack can cause GERD. Another contributing factor is certain medications to treat asthma may also loosen the LES which causes GERD.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is an esophageal disorder which can have numerous causes including certain diseases, pregnancy, obesity and certain medications. These all contribute to the loosening of the lower esophageal sphincter which leads to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. To find out more about a remedy for GERD, you can download the Reflux Remedy Report at www.refluxremedy.com today!