Understanding the Causes of Acid Reflux
Know about the acid reflux, causes, symptoms, how it influences your health and tips to manage acid reflux disease. Learn about when to seek a doctor and more.
Introduction
Acid reflux is a common digestive issue that many people experience at some point in their lives. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach), causing discomfort and sometimes pain. While occasional acid reflux is normal, frequent episodes may indicate a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In this article, we’ll explore the causes of acid reflux, its symptoms, and how you can manage it effectively.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle at the end of your esophagus, doesn’t close properly after food enters the stomach. This allows stomach acid to flow backward, irritating the lining of the esophagus.
Consult a top Gastroenterologist for the best advice
Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux
The common symptoms include:
A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
Regurgitation of sour or bitter-tasting acid into the throat
Difficulty swallowing
Bloating or burping
Chronic cough or sore throat
Feeling like there’s a lump in your throat
If you experience these symptoms frequently (more than twice a week), you may have GERD, which requires medical attention.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
Several factors contribute to acid reflux, including lifestyle habits, diet, and certain medical conditions.
1. Weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)
The LES is supposed to act as a valve, keeping stomach acid from flowing back up. If it weakens or relaxes abnormally, acid reflux occurs.
2. Dietary Triggers
The dietary triggers include:
Spicy, fatty, or fried foods – These can irritate the stomach lining and relax the LES.
Citrus fruits and tomatoes – High acidity increases reflux risk.
Chocolate, caffeine, and carbonated drinks – These may weaken the LES.
Alcohol – Can increase stomach acid production and relax the LES.
3. Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle factors which may influence acid reflux include:
Overeating or eating late at night – Large meals put pressure on the stomach, forcing acid upward.
Smoking – Weakens the LES and reduces saliva production, which helps neutralize acid.
Obesity – Excess weight increases abdominal pressure, pushing acid into the esophagus.
Lying down immediately after eating – Gravity helps keep acid down; lying flat makes reflux more likely.
4. Pregnancy
Hormonal changes and pressure from the growing baby can push stomach acid upward.
5. Hiatal Hernia
A condition where part of the stomach pushes up into the diaphragm, weakening the LES and causing reflux.
6. Certain Medications
Some pain relievers (like ibuprofen), blood pressure medications, and muscle relaxers can trigger acid reflux.
How Acid Reflux Affects Your Health
Occasional acid reflux is usually harmless, but chronic GERD can lead to complications, such as:
Esophagitis – Inflammation of the esophagus, causing pain and difficulty swallowing.
Esophageal strictures – Narrowing of the esophagus due to scar tissue.
Barrett’s esophagus – A precancerous condition where the esophageal lining changes, increasing cancer risk.
Tips to Manage and Reduce Acid Reflux
1. Dietary Adjustments
Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions.
Avoid trigger foods like spicy, fatty, or acidic items.
Limit caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.
Chew gum after meals – This increases saliva production, which helps neutralize acid.
2. Lifestyle Changes
Maintain a healthy weight – Losing excess weight reduces pressure on the stomach.
Quit smoking – Smoking weakens the LES and worsens reflux.
Elevate your head while sleeping – Use an extra pillow or raise the bed’s head by 6-8 inches to prevent nighttime reflux.
Wait 2-3 hours after eating before lying down.
3. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
Antacids (like Tums) – Provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
H2 blockers (like Ranitidine) – Reduce acid production for longer relief.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (like Omeprazole) – Help heal the esophagus by blocking acid production.
4. When to See a Doctor
See your doctor:
If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes.
If you experience difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or severe chest pain.
If OTC medications don’t provide relief.
Final Thoughts
Acid reflux is a common but manageable condition. By understanding its causes and making simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce discomfort and prevent complications. If symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
Consult a top Gastroenterologist for the best advice
Consult a top Gastroenterologist for the best advice
Dr Bhargav Vuppumalla
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MD GENERAL MEDICINE
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr Supreet Kumar
Surgical Gastroenterologist
11 Years • MBBS ( Gold Medalist and Distinction Holder ) MS General Surgery ( Honors) DrNB Surgical Gastroenterology Fellowship Liver Transplant and HPB Surgery ( IAH ) FMAS MMAS HPB ( Masters in Minimal Access Surgery)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(400+ Patients)
Dr Harish K C
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS MD DM MRCP(UK) (SCE-Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Bangalore
Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
Dr. Paramesh K N
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MS ( General Surgery), DNB ( Surgical Gastroenterology)
Hyderabad
Sprint Diagnostics Centre, Hyderabad
Dr. Mohd Irtaza
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
11 Years • MBBS, MD Internal Medicine, DM Gastroenterology
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(100+ Patients)
