What Causes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease--also referred to as acid reflux disease--is a chronic condition that commonly arises after consuming foods or liquids. Symptoms vary. But if you suffer from reflux disease, vomiting, heartburn, nausea and coughing may be an everyday occurrence. There are ways to deal with this condition and stop permanent damage. But before you can heal your esophagus, you've got to recognize common causes of GERD.

Obesity and Extra Body Fat

A healthy body weight wards off many illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and fatty liver disease. Likewise, maintaining a healthy body weight reduces your chances of developing a chronic form of acid reflux disease. Being overweight places pressure on your stomach, and pushes the abdomen upwards. This upward motion triggers the back flow of stomach acid, which produces symptoms of GERD.

Diet and Eating Habits

Examine your eating habits if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease. Oftentimes, symptoms of GERD are directly related to food choice and eating habits. For example, heavy consumption of certain foods such as tomato-based products, citrus foods, spicy foods, caffeine and fatty foods can bring on reflux disease. Overeating also triggers symptoms of reflux, wherein you may regurgitate after finishing a meal.

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia may also play a role in reflux disease. In this instance, a section of the upper stomach protrudes above the diaphragm. This abnormality or protrusion triggers the back flow of stomach acid, in which acid is free to travel up the esophagus into the throat. Imaging tests are necessary to diagnose a hiatal hernia.

Lying Down After Meals

Another GERD trigger is lying down immediately following a meal. Gravity also plays a role in reflux disease; and going to bed or taking a nap after eating or drinking can produce uncomfortable symptoms. On the other hand, keeping your head elevated or upright for at least three hours reduces the likelihood of reflux.

Smoking

The muscles located in the lower part of the esophagus are designed to keep foods, liquids and stomach acid in the abdomen. If the muscles become weak, stomach acid can escape the abdomen and travel to the esophagus. According to the Mayo Clinic, smoking weakens the muscles around the lower half of the esophagus (LES) and brings on gastroesophageal reflux disease.