Causes of Acid Reflux

There isn’t a single cause for acid reflux; instead, a number of factors may contribute to the issue. In order to develop a treatment plan, it is the responsibility of the physician to assist the patient in identifying these potential causes. Before drawing any judgments, we will investigate a number of potential causes. The generation of excess acid in the stomach is the most straightforward and often acknowledged cause of acid reflux. When food reaches the stomach, stomach acid is released into the mixture, which starts to break the meal down into smaller pieces. The quantity released is often determined by the type and quantity of food that must be broken down. Simple sugars, such as those found in refined flour goods, and low-fiber diets, for instance, break down rapidly into their smallest form and don’t require much stomach acid to digest. It will take a little more acid to break down more complex particles, such as animal proteins or foods heavy in fiber. Food may cause the secretion of stomach acid that is inappropriate for the food if this identification system malfunctions. Food is expelled from the stomach into the small intestine when an excessive amount of acid swiftly dissolves it. An issue is likely to arise if the stomach continues to produce acid while it is empty. Reflux symptoms are more likely to appear when excessive acid production occurs. Because there are numerous prescription drugs and over-the-counter treatments that lower stomach acid, the pharmaceutical industry profits greatly from this idea. According to the notion, if there was less stomach acid overall, less would enter the esophagus, hence reducing damage and alleviating symptoms.

Acid reflux can also result from a variety of functional issues in the stomach and esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens to allow the bolus (chewed mass of food) to pass into the stomach when food enters the mouth and travels down the esophagus into the stomach. It then swiftly closes behind the bolus to shield the esophagus from any acid that could try to pass through. The LES is precisely calibrated to open when the bolus reaches it. For instance, the LES may start to open inappropriately, enabling stomach acid to enter the esophagus, if there is any confusion in this communication or if there is nerve injury.

Additionally, the lower esophageal sphincter may twist or deform, impairing its ability to seal fully. This may be a gastric problem or a structural problem. The lower esophageal sphincter is pushed upward by elevated stomach pressure, which causes it to slightly open. Any small amount of acid that splashes up through the sphincter when its seal is disrupted may induce burning and a painful sensation that is commonly referred to as heartburn. Pressure can result from having too much food in the stomach, usually from eating too quickly. The stomach may also have a functional problem that slows its emptying, allowing food to accumulate and creating pressure. Another potential reason for persistent reflux is a hiatal hernia. An abnormally large gap in the diaphragm where the esophagus protrudes to meet the stomach is known as a hiatal hernia. A piece of the stomach can protrude through this additional opening, which puts additional strain on the lower esophageal sphincter. The risk of acid getting into the esophagus is very significant. The symptoms of a hiatal hernia can vary in size and might occur at birth or grow over time. The majority of hernias are benign and go undiagnosed unless a physician believes they are the source of symptoms. Most cases can be resolved with diet changes, but more serious ones can be fixed with surgery.

It appears that stress is a prevalent cause of many physical illnesses. Acid reflux and GERD are among the many issues it can bring, along with headaches that progress to migraines, exhaustion, muscle aches, and elevated blood pressure. A 2011 study that was published on healthline.com found a significant link between the prevalence of GERD and stress at work. GERD was more common among participants when they were under stress. More than 40,000 participants participated in this survey, which was conducted in Norway. Additionally, they noted that a frequent theme was low job satisfaction. According to a different 1993 study, those who were more apprehensive experienced symptoms that were more severe than those who were more at ease. It’s interesting to note that the study found no connection between these elevated discomfort levels and a noticeable rise in stomach acid. This supports the idea that stress must affect tissue cells’ receptors in some way, increasing their sensitivity to stimuli and giving the appearance of more symptoms. According to the doctors’ theory, stress activates sensory receptors in the brain, which results in

more of a reaction than a tiny quantity of acid in the esophagus would typically cause. It demonstrates how symptoms may seem amplified when under stress. It should be noted that the study’s goal was to ascertain the relationship between stress and rising GERD symptoms, and the patients who participated in it already reported having these symptoms. It just suggests that symptoms may worsen if stress is present, not that stress definitely causes acid reflux. The fact that these studies have only examined the effects of acute stress on acid reflux—such as exposure to frigid temperatures or loud, irritating noises in controlled settings—limits them further. Chronic, ongoing stress, which can be brought on by a difficult living condition, money troubles, illness, or ongoing issues at work, was not tested. Although there are occasional acute stressors, most people experience chronic, deeply ingrained pressures throughout time. Although no prior research has demonstrated that stress causes an increase in stomach acid, an intriguing 1990 study did find a link between stress and elevated stomach acid. It was discovered that different personality types react differently to stress, and that this reaction either causes an increase or decrease in stomach acid production. They discovered that when exposed to severe stressors, persons who are typically calm and analytical in their thinking tend to have less stomach acid. Conversely, when stress is applied, those who are more emotional and reactive have higher stomach acid. Although the exact cause is yet unknown, this demonstrates once more that stress and acid reflux are related. To look at it from a different angle, we also know that stress causes changes in respiration. A person under stress will start to breathe shallowly and quickly, whereas a calm, resting individual will take long, deep breaths. The answer is as old as humanity itself. To prepare for a potential “fight or flight” scenario, early humans would need to boost the amount of oxygen entering their bodies during periods of extreme stress, known as the “fight or flight” response. The stress of potential injury or death causes the heart rate to increase and breathing to speed up in order to give the heart and other muscles more oxygen. Since this is an involuntary bodily function, you cannot control it unless you are cognizant of it and make a conscious effort to regulate your breathing. The muscles surrounding the lower esophageal sphincter weaken as a result of shallow breathing, which is a regrettable side effect.

These muscles can extend to their full length and then contract thanks to deep breathing. Only a small portion of muscle capacity is used in shallow breathing. It would be similar to merely partially flexing the biceps during a gym bicep curl. No muscle is being worked out in its entirety. As a result, it gradually becomes weaker. This is a great notion to help explain how acid reflux is caused by stress. Shallow breathing is more likely to occur when there is ongoing tension. The lower esophageal sphincter becomes unsupported and prepared to release undesired stomach acid when the muscles around it deteriorate.

reaction to the bacteria’s existence. Because H. Pylori is difficult to eradicate, stomach acid is usually elevated for extended periods of time, leading to persistent reflux symptoms. Peptic ulcers form when the stomach cells are exposed to excessive amounts of acid over an extended period of time. If treatment is not received, the ulcers bleed, causing the body to lose vital blood. If it continues, blood loss can lead to vitamin deficits and other serious issues. In addition, the illness is quite painful. Pain that shoots and stabs is a typical complaint. To assist the body fight off an H. Pylori infection, a patient may require antibiotics in addition to stomach acid-reducing medications.

Pregnancy

In addition to elevated hormone levels, women experiencing their first pregnancy may have acid reflux as a result of the fetus’s increasing pressure. Acid reflux symptoms peak in the third trimester and begin to subside shortly after delivery.

Smoking

In addition to raising the risk of esophageal cancer, smoking is thought to cause acid reflux due to the following negative effects:

• Enhancement of Acid Secretion
• Reduced Muscle Function of LES
• Reduced Production of Saliva (Saliva is effective in acid neutralization)
• Damaged Mucus Membranes
• Impaired Reflexes of Throat Muscles

Diet

Heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing food, dry cough, etc., might be triggered by lying in bed right after eating or after eating a larger meal. The following common foods have been linked to acid reflux:

• Carbonated drinks
• Alcohol
• Spicy foods, e.g. chilies and curries
• Chocolate
• Tea (with Tea Leaves) or Coffee, including both decaffeinated and regular
• Citrus fruits, i.e. lemons, oranges etc.
• Fried or fatty foods
• Onions and Garlic
• Food containing Tomato, e.g. pizza, salsa and spaghetti sauce
• Mint
• There are many other reasons for acid reflux including:
• Obesity and overweight
• Eating right before sleeping
• Consuming larger meals and afterward either bending over at the waist or lying in bed
• Consuming muscle relaxants, various BP-controlling medications, and even aspirin or ibuprofen, etc.