Article Directory :: Health & Fitness Articles

What Triggers Acid Reflux in Adults

By Nick Cook

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 26Feb2012 Word count: 975 Viewed: 185 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Precisely what is the cause of acid reflux disease in adults is , even now, still the subject of ongoing research.
People can develop acid reflux disease for a number of different reasons and many different factors can increase the chances of someone developing acid reflux disease.
Smoking is a big factor with acid reflux and is believed to be the cause of quite a few different problems that can develop into GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease).
Smoking can damage the mucus layer that protects the lining of the stomach from the corrosive effect of stomach acid. Our swallowing reflex in the esophagus can also be damaged by nicotine making it difficult to swallow and more likely that food and stomach contents will be regurgitated.
Smokers have increased levels of acid secretions that can worsen the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. It can also weaken the Lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This is a ring of muscle that closes off the top of your stomach helping to keep your stomach contents in.
When this becomes weak food and stomach acid can be regurgitated more easily back into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
Smoking can also reduce saliva production which we use to aid digestion and neutralize the acid in our stomach.
It also increases the likelihood of certain types of throat cancer.
Long term acid reflux can cause changes to the esophageal lining. The lining changes to resemble the cells that make up the lining of the stomach, developing their own protective layer of mucus. This condition, known as Barretts Esophagus can lead to esophageal cancer in a small number of sufferers and needs to be regularly monitored.

Some stomach abnormalities, such as a hiatus or hiatal hernia can also cause an increased risk of acid reflux disease. Normally, the esophagus passes through our diaphragm connecting to the top of the. In someone who has a hiatus hernia, a small portion of the stomach and the LES gets pushed through and trapped above the diaphragm. Whenever we eat, some food can get caught in this part of the stomach, increasing pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and causing heartburn.

During pregnancy it is common to experience acid reflux especially in the last few months when the baby is larger and puts pressure on the stomach. Changes in levels of hormones can also reduce the effectiveness of the LES. These two factors combine, resulting in regular acid reflux and heartburn. Happily the symptoms stop with most people when the baby is born.

Certain foods, commonly known as trigger foods are linked to acid reflux disease and heartburn, although, rather than being the cause of acid reflux they tend to be triggers that can set off the symptoms in someone who already has acid reflux disease.

Alcoholic drings, fizzy drinks, citrus fruit and chocolate, tea and coffee, fried food, tomato based food and tomatoes,garlic and onions, peppermint and spices and spicy food are all believed to worsen acid reflux disease in some people.

Other things that contribute to acid reflux are :
Exercise too soon after eating can cause acid reflux as it increases the pressure inside the abdomen.
Eating food late in the evening can lead to acid reflux at night.
Carrying excess weight puts added pressure on your including the stomach.
Bending over at the waist soon after a meal increases pressure on the stomach and cause to acid reflux.
Certain drugs such as NSAIDs and aspirin have been linked to acid reflux disease.

Happily, acid reflux disease is easily controlled in most people with a mix of drugs to reduce acid levels and lifestyle changes and diet.

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here

More articles by Nick Cook

Free Report!
Ten Essential Secrets Of Article Marketing ... Grab Your Free
Copy Now:

Need Content?
Regular Top Quality Content for your Blog, Ezine or Website ...
Delivered Direct,
For Free!
Click For Details