What Cause Acid Reflux Disease
This article address the question of what cause acid reflux disease, medically known as GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease). Under normal circumstances, the food enters the stomach through the esophageal pipe and this passage of food is regulated by a valve present in the stomach known as the sphincter muscle. This valve acts as a lock and prevents the food from moving back. An improper functioning of the valve results in the food being refluxed back into the esophagus and even the mouth. This phenomenon is known as acid reflux disease. Acid reflux disease is seen in people of all ages including infants and elderly. The three main reasons that lead to the acid reflux disease: the normal functioning of the esophageal muscles is disturbed by high acid content of stomach walls, acid forming food and the food not being cleared from the esophageal pipe. These cause burning sensation in the throat and chest. Acid reflux disease can be the common reason of vomiting tendencies in infants and young children. Occasional occurrences of acid reflux disease are normal for any human being. Anta-acid medicines are available over the counter and can be consumed for relief from acid reflux disease. However, too much heartburn because of the acid being released in the esophageal can cause damage in the esophageal lining leading to thinning of esophagus, formation of strictures and even cases of esophageal cancer. Such chronic cases of acid reflux disease need immediate medical assistance. Conditions that cause acid reflux disease People who are obese are commonly affected by acid reflux disease. In this case, the extra fat of the stomach puts excess pressure on the diaphragm and the chest causing the lower esophageal sphincter muscle to open up. This causes the acids and the other juices to reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. Hiatal hernia is another known condition to cause acid reflux disease. In chronic cases of hiatal hernia, a part of the stomach protrudes into the lower chest muscles exerting a pressure on the esophageal sphincter valve and thus leading to heartburn. Pregnancy, diabetes and connective tissue disorder (scleroderma) can also cause acid reflux disease. Heartburn is a common problem in pregnancy and normally occurs during the later part of second and third trimester where the growing fetus exerts pressure on the stomach. Peptic ulcer is yet another serious concern and can lead to acid reflux disease. Acid Reflux Disease Complications Irritation of the esophagus and heartburn are not the only complications that are created by acid reflux disease. There are other severities that can be fatal. One such complication is Barett's esophagus. This is a case where the color and composition of the tissues of the esophagus change from pink to salmon. This occurs due to the chronic acid reflux disease where the stomach acid damages the esophageal tissue. It can lead to development of cancer. In other cases, the esophageal passage becomes damaged and there is formation of scar tissue. The scar tissue blocks the passage and thus the food way is narrowed causing difficulties in swallowing the food.
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