Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease 

Between the end of the oesophagus and the stomach is a ring of muscle known as the loweroesohageal sphincter. This sphincter acts as a valve and prevents the backflow of stomach contents into the oesophagus. In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease there are brief oesophagus. In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease there are brief relaxations of this sphincter, which allow the acid and digestive juices of the stomach to move up and enter in to the oesophagus. 

Some medicines and foods (e.g. chocolate, peppermint, alcohol) are known to produce relaxations of this sphincter. Tobacco also relaxes the lower oesohageal sphincter can produce or worsen the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. 
Increased pressure inside the abdomen pushes the stomach contents into the oesophagus. Pregnancy, obesity and overeating can increase abdominal pressure and produce gastroesophageal reflux disease .

Hiatal hernia : There is a hole in the diaphragm through which the oesophagus enters the abdominal cavity. Normally the entire stomach is below the diaphragm, but sometimes a part of the stomach enters the hole in the diaphragm. This is known as hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernias are found in approximately 50 per cent of people over the age of 50. Although majority of these people do not have gastroesophageal reflux disease , majority of people with gastroesophageal reflux disease have hiatal hernias. 

Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Complications of Long-terms Reflux and Heartburn
Lifestyle Modifications of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Rest and sleep for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease