How to Identify Causes of Acid Reflux

See Your Doctor to Identify the Causes of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can be caused by a variety of reasons from eating a spicy meal to having an abnormality in the esophagus or taking medication for asthma. Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach contents back up into the esophagus causing a burning sensation and, if chronic, can cause damage to the esophagus over time. Many people just take antacids or acid reducers to stop the problem, but if acid reflux is chronic there may be an underlying condition that is causing the problem. Here are some of the reasons a person may be experiencing acid reflux.

Instructions

1. 

   Eating spicy food - For the person who is experiencing acid reflux occasionally, it could be he is eating too many spicy or fatty foods. In this case taking an antacid is the best way to alleviate the problem.

2. Consider esophagus abnormalities - People with acid reflux that experience symptoms such as sore throat, chronic cough, hoarseness or feeling like they have a lump in their throat are more likely to have an abnormality of the esophagus. One abnormality is adult-ringed esophagus in which a person has multiple rings in the esophagus that causes trouble with swallowing and food getting stuck. Another is motility abnormality which is a problem with the muscle action in the esophagus. These abnormalities have to be diagnosed by a doctor.

3. Think of possible esophageal malfunction - The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscles are responsible for closing off once food has emptied into the stomach and not allow it back up into the esophagus. These muscles can weaken from drugs, nervous system factors or dietary substances and cause acid reflux to occur.

4. 

   Know about asthma - According to the Cleveland Clinic in an article titled "GERD and Asthma", seventy-five percent of people who have asthma also suffer from acid reflux. Experts believe that acid reflux can be triggered by the sneezing and coughing associated with an asthma attack. Other concerns are that medications taken by asthmatics to relax and dilate the airways may also relax the LES and allow stomach contents to back up into the esophagus.

5. Learn about impaired stomach function - Nearly half of all people who suffer from acid reflux are found to have some abnormal muscle or nerve function in the stomach. In these cases, the stomach is unable to contract normally and does not empty at a normal rate allowing for the risk of stomach content to back up into the esophagus.

6. Watch for genetic association with acid reflux - Genetics may also play a role in suffering from acid reflux. Stomach or esophagus structure problems may be genetic in families. This is especially important to be aware of in the case of genetic susceptibility to Barrett's esophagus. This condition makes a person more susceptible to esophageal cancer due to long-term damage of the esophagus by stomach acid. If a member of your family has been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus and you also suffer from acid reflux then it is important to be checked regularly by your doctor.

7. 

   Think about the pain relievers that you take - Many over-the-counter pain relievers that are taken on a regular basis can cause acid reflux. Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen are all culprits as well as many prescription pain relievers. This only applies to those who take these medications for more than six months on a regular basis. Taking the occasional pain reliever should not cause symptoms of acid reflux.

8. Watch for other medications - There is a long list of medications that can cause acid reflux to flare up. Calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure, anticholinergics taken for urinary tract infections, beta adrenergic agonists used for asthma, and dopamine taken for Parkinson's disease are just some of the drugs that can cause acid reflux. Many antibiotics as well as iron pills and potassium can also be culprits. Check with your doctor if you believe the medication you are taking is causing you to suffer from acid reflux.

9. Be diligent about acid reflux causes - If you are experiencing acid reflux on a regular basis then talk to your doctor about the causes and treatment. Simple changes in the diet as well as a few lifestyle changes may be all you need to do to treat it. However, if there is an underlying cause, it is important for you to find out what it is and how to treat it.

Tips & Warnings

• Sleep with your head elevated slightly higher than your body to prevent acid from backing up at night.

• Avoid caffeinated foods before bedtime such as coffee, chocolate, peppermint and alcoholic beverages.

• Take a walk or do some type of activity after your last meal of the day so food will digest properly before bedtime.

• Consult your doctor if you have been experiencing acid reflux on a regular basis.

Resources

• GERD and Asthma, Cleveland Clinic
• The Relationship Between GERD and Asthma
• Acid Reflux Causes