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Home | Disease & Illness | Skin Cancer People who suffer with acid reflux feel the discomfort caused when the stomach's caustic fluids back up. This acid reflux response happens when the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES muscle, fails to function properly. Located at the base of the esophagus, these muscles provide a method of opening and closing the passageway into the stomach. Weakened LES muscles are unable to close completely. As a result, stomach acids creep up and into the esophagus. Some people suffer acid reflux as a result of an esophagus abnormality. While different parts of the esophagus can become malformed, the two most common abnormalities leading to acid reflux are 'peristalsis' and a condition known as 'adult-ringed esophagus'. If a person has adult-ringed esophagus, small rings form in the throat that inhibit the person from swallowing properly. A stomach that fails to function properly can also create acid reflux. More than half of all sufferers have impaired stomach muscles that do not respond well to stimuli. As a result, these weak stomach muscles cause the stomach to retain its contents for an extended period of time, creating a backup of acid in the esophagus. Hiatal hernias are another reason that one may develop acid reflux. The hiatus is a hole located in the diaphragm that helps to secure the passageway between the esophagus and the stomach. The hiatus is usually tight and keeps the organs separate. When the hiatus becomes weakened, it can loosen up and cause the small part of the stomach to actually protrude through the hole. If this happens, a hiatal hernia is said to have occurred. While hiatal hernias are not fully responsible for acid reflux, they may lead to a lack of functioning in the LES muscle, which leads to acid reflux. When diagnosing acid reflux causes, doctors must consider other underlying conditions such as asthma and diabetes. At lease half of all asthma sufferers are known to experience acid reflux, however it's not clear which disease causes the other. People with diabetes must watch their eating habits, as many diabetics suffer from gastroparesis. This condition creates a delay in the emptying of the stomach, resulting in a backup in the stomach and, consequently, an acid buildup in the esophagus. Certain drugs may also play a role in the development of acid reflux. NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may cause acid reflux to develop, or can worsen the condition in those who already have it. These drugs are quite common, and sold over the counter. Some of the most recognized brands of NSAIDs include Advil, Aleve, Motrin and Nuprin. A recent research study showed that people who regularly used these medications were up to two times as likely to experience some acid reflux symptoms. When it comes to acid reflux causes, diet is only partly to blame. There are many other factors that can contribute to this uncomfortable condition. If you suffer from acid reflux or persistent indigestion, see your health care provider for a complete check up. Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com
Writer Rosamond Gaven enjoys writing articles for several web magazines, on health fitness and health and wellness issues.
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