What Causes Acid Reflux Disorder?
Also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, acid reflux disorder is a condition wherein the digestive acid abnormally backs up into the esophagus and thus causes irritation and even damage to it.
When the refluxed liquid comprises of larger quantities and it rises up into the throat, it is called laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.
Acid reflux disorder is among the many complicated medical issues that patients of today are facing.
And with the continuing increase of number in the population that suffers from this chronic disease, many are trying to learn more about it.
The causes of acid reflux disorder ranges in various forms but each affects a patient differently.
Some of the most common factors that trigger the disorder include: the lower esophageal sphincter, esophageal contractions and hiatal hernias.
Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) The function of the lower esophageal sphincter is probably the most vital mechanism that helps prevent acid reflux disorder.
The LES lies where the muscular tube known as the esophagus connects with the stomach.
It is composed of a ring of muscles that relaxes every time we swallow to allow saliva or food to enter the stomach and again, closes.
When the LES does not function as it should, then acid reflux disorder results.
When it is weak, possibilities of stomach acid leakage to the esophagus is more likely.
Another abnormality in the LES is prolonged relaxations it does not automatically closes after the food or saliva has passed through.
Esophageal contractions This activity of the esophageal muscles is the one that pushes whatever it is swallowed further into the stomach.
When the contractions are malfunctioning, regurgitated acid from the digesting stomach is not pushed back from where it has come from.
This inability to clear the acid leaves the esophagus more exposed to irritating and damaging agents.
Smoking is among the greatest contributors to the weakening of the esophageal contractions thus people suffering from acid reflux disorder are advised to quit smoking.
Hiatal hernia This physiological abnormality is indicated by the further protrusion of the stomach through the diaphragm - the strong muscle that separates the organs in the chest from those below.
The LES is found just below the diaphragm and the problem with the organ positioning is likely to cause acid reflux disorder.
Some of the potential factors that may contribute to hiatal hernia are: o An abnormality in the connection of the esophagus and the diaphragm.
o A permanent decrease in the length of the esophagus which may be due to the scarring of the acid inflammation throughout the years.
o Pregnancy o Abrupt gain in weight
When the refluxed liquid comprises of larger quantities and it rises up into the throat, it is called laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.
Acid reflux disorder is among the many complicated medical issues that patients of today are facing.
And with the continuing increase of number in the population that suffers from this chronic disease, many are trying to learn more about it.
The causes of acid reflux disorder ranges in various forms but each affects a patient differently.
Some of the most common factors that trigger the disorder include: the lower esophageal sphincter, esophageal contractions and hiatal hernias.
Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) The function of the lower esophageal sphincter is probably the most vital mechanism that helps prevent acid reflux disorder.
The LES lies where the muscular tube known as the esophagus connects with the stomach.
It is composed of a ring of muscles that relaxes every time we swallow to allow saliva or food to enter the stomach and again, closes.
When the LES does not function as it should, then acid reflux disorder results.
When it is weak, possibilities of stomach acid leakage to the esophagus is more likely.
Another abnormality in the LES is prolonged relaxations it does not automatically closes after the food or saliva has passed through.
Esophageal contractions This activity of the esophageal muscles is the one that pushes whatever it is swallowed further into the stomach.
When the contractions are malfunctioning, regurgitated acid from the digesting stomach is not pushed back from where it has come from.
This inability to clear the acid leaves the esophagus more exposed to irritating and damaging agents.
Smoking is among the greatest contributors to the weakening of the esophageal contractions thus people suffering from acid reflux disorder are advised to quit smoking.
Hiatal hernia This physiological abnormality is indicated by the further protrusion of the stomach through the diaphragm - the strong muscle that separates the organs in the chest from those below.
The LES is found just below the diaphragm and the problem with the organ positioning is likely to cause acid reflux disorder.
Some of the potential factors that may contribute to hiatal hernia are: o An abnormality in the connection of the esophagus and the diaphragm.
o A permanent decrease in the length of the esophagus which may be due to the scarring of the acid inflammation throughout the years.
o Pregnancy o Abrupt gain in weight
