Four Causes Of GERDThere are many known causes of GERD. These different conditions are active in different persons and even in the same person at different times depending on other factors. Given below are some of the main causes of GERD. LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) The esophagus is also known as the food pipe. It is a muscular tube that connects the lower throat to the stomach. LES is the muscular ring at the bottom where it connects to the stomach. The function of LES is to prevent reflux, the flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. The muscle works continuously to block the path of acid into the esophagus. When we swallow food or saliva, the muscle relaxes in order to let the food pass into the stomach and then contracts immediately afterwards. Abnormal function of the LES is among the major causes of GERD. There are two major problems. Either the LES muscle is weak and does not contract sufficiently thereby creating a greater likelihood of reflux or the relaxation that occurs after swallowing is prolonged beyond safe limits. The second case is more likely to cause reflux after meals as the stomach is filled with food and the acid is under pressure. Hiatal Hernia This is a condition where a part of the stomach is pushed up and through the diaphragm. In this case the LES not at the same level as the diaphragm causing it to partially be in the chest instead of the abdomen. This is also among known causes of GERD. In normal cases the pressure from the diaphragm combines with that from the LES to prevent reflux but in case of Hiatal Hernia the pressure is exerted at two different points so the overall pressure to seal off the esophagus is not enough to prevent reflux. Esophageal contractions Abnormal esophageal contractions are also among the causes of GERD. Every time we swallow, whether it is food or saliva, the esophagus goes through a series of contractions that help to move the food or saliva down the food pipe and to the stomach. When the contractions do not take place properly there is a higher chance of reflux as the muscles cannot push the acid back into the stomach when the LES opens. Even with normal contractions a weak set of esophageal muscles can mean higher chances of GERD. Prolonged stomach emptying In some patients the stomach takes longer than normal to be empty of food. Slow digestion means the stomach is under pressure for a longer time and hence there is more time and probability of reflux. |