One of the most common causes of acid reflux is hiatal hernia. In this condition, the upper part of stomach including the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is abnormally moves above the diaphragm. Diaphragm is a dome shaped group of muscles which separates the thorax from the abdomen. Normally it prevents the reflux of acid into esophagus but in case of hiatal hernia the acid regurgitates into the esophagus and causes inflammation resulting into symptoms.
Obesity or high body mass index (BMI) has been found to be associated with higher incidence of acid reflux disease.
Overeating and lying down immediately after the meals or bending the body at the waist can cause acid reflux. That’s why it has been recommended that there should be some time gap between the last meal and sleep.
Some foods and beverages contribute to acid reflux. For example, fatty or spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomato, chocolate, mint, alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated drinks etc.
There is a wide range of medications which can cause acid reflux as a side effect. Some common medications are pain killers like ibuprofen, aspirin, some muscle relaxants, prednisolone and some blood pressure drugs.
Smoking is also known for causing acid reflux disease, especially in heavy smokers.
Acid reflux is commonly seen in later part of the pregnancy. It is due to the pressure of growing fetus on the stomach causing regurgitation of acid into the esophagus.
