Causes of gerd and 7 things that can trigger them

Excess stomach acid can rise into the esophagus causing GERD. In people who have GERD, this condition can occur two or more times a week. In addition, there is abdominal discomfort and other symptoms of GERD that interfere with activity. However, do you know what causes GERD? Come on, find out the answer below.

Causes of GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease or more commonly abbreviated as GERD is a condition characterized by the increase in stomach acid into the esophagus.

Under normal conditions, the sphincter (valve) in the lower esophagus, functions as a passage for food from the mouth to the digestive system. The esophageal sphincter (esophagus) is equipped with muscles that open automatically when you swallow food, and close again afterward.

However, in the case of GERD, the esophageal sphincter muscle is weak so that it cannot close completely. Therefore, stomach acid can rise into the esophagus and become the main cause of GERD.

When stomach acid rises into the esophagus, it generally causes symptoms such as pain and a burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn.

The frequent increase in stomach acid can irritate the lining of the esophagus. As a result, the lining of the esophagus is inflamed or injured. Although most people who have GERD have inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, this is not always the case.

Launching from the page International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders , GERD can also be present without damaging the esophageal tract. Even if you experience irritation or injury, usually the severity of GERD and inflammation of the esophagus depends on several things.

Starting from the frequency or how often the acid reflux occurs, the length of time stomach acid is in the stomach, to the amount of acid. So in short, the cause of GERD is when the sphincter muscles at the bottom of the esophagus weaken and open up, when they should be closed.

GERD trigger factors

Actually, the cause of GERD is not only a problem with the esophageal sphincter muscle. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, mentions several things that can contribute to GERD, including:

1. Take medicine

Certain types of drugs, such as aspirin, Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen), and Aleve (naproxen), can have their own side effects. For example, causing gastrointestinal or digestive tract disorders, including problems with stomach ulcers and esophageal irritation.

In fact, it does not rule out, other types of NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory) drugs can also further weaken the esophageal sphincter muscle. Various other medicines that are believed to weaken the muscles in the esophageal valve causing GERD include:

• Medicine for asthma
• Calcium channel blockers for treating high blood pressure
• Antihistamine drugs to treat allergy symptoms
• Sedative
• Antidepressant drugs

If you already have GERD, these types of drugs run the risk of increasing the severity of the symptoms. Meanwhile, for those of you who don't have GERD, taking these drugs in the long run is at risk of developing symptoms.

Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking medication. Or, consult also when you feel a symptom while you are routinely taking certain medications.

2. Smoking

People who have GERD are usually advised not to smoke, because it is believed to be one of the causes of this disease. The reason is, when you smoke, the muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter will weaken.

As a result, the esophageal sphincter, which should be closed, opens, allowing for proper flow of stomach acid. This is what then causes chest pain, aka heartburn.

In addition, smoking can reduce the amount of saliva produced, slow down the emptying time of the stomach, and increase the production of stomach acid. All of these things will further trigger an increase in stomach acid as a cause of GERD.

3. Hiatal hernia

Hiatal hernia is a condition that occurs when the upper abdomen protrudes into contact with the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the stomach from the chest, which is where the esophagus actually enters the chest area.

One of the diaphragm's tasks is to prevent stomach acid from getting back up into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia occurs, the diaphragm does not close completely to separate the chest and abdomen.

This condition certainly affects the ability of the esophageal sphincter muscles to open and close. As a result, it is easier for stomach acid to go up into the esophagus because the sphincter is open, thus causing GERD.

4. Genetic

Based on several studies, genetics has a high probability of causing GERD. It seems that the DNA variation called GNB3 C825T is a gene at risk of carrying GERD and other health problems related to the esophagus.

However, researchers say more research is needed on this gene. In addition, this gene is said to be not the sole cause of GERD. GERD is very likely to occur when combined with other risk factors.

5. Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the factors that can cause the risk of GERD to increase. The reason is because an increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone can affect the esophageal sphincter muscles.

In addition, the growing size of the stomach will exert a strong pressure so that it affects the increase in stomach acid so that it can be the cause of GERD.

6. Daily food intake

If you feel the symptoms of GERD appear frequently, try to pay close attention. Because it could be, certain types of food and drinks act as a cause for the appearance of GERD symptoms.

Actually, dietary and drink restrictions for people with GERD are not much different from people with acid reflux problems. Of course, this food abstinence should be avoided because it can trigger symptoms.

The following is a list of various foods and drinks that cause a person to be at risk for GERD, including:

• Greasy foods, such as french fries or fast food
• Sugary foods, such as chocolate, candy, or sugary cakes
• Salty foods, for example packaged foods
• Spicy food, both chili and pepper
• Sour drinks, such as lime juice
• Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate
• Alcoholic beverages

7. Other factors

Apart from the causes and risk factors for GERD mentioned above, there are several other things that can cause GERD. It is important to pay attention to the following things if you do not want the symptoms of GERD to recur easily, namely:

Obesity

Obesity has the same effect as pregnancy, in that excess fat puts more pressure on the stomach. As a result, more stomach acid will be produced and increase the chances of getting up into the esophagus.

Bad eating habits

GERD is very closely tied to diet. In addition to improper food choices, the cause of persistent recurrence of GERD is bad eating habits, for example eating large portions at once, eating in a hurry, or going to bed right after eating.

Certain medical problems

The cause of increasing the risk of GERD could be due to a problem with the connective tissue. This is a rare disease that can harden the skin and skin tissue. Over time, this disease can damage the structure of the skin, blood vessels, internal organs, and digestive tract.

If you think you have one or more of these risk factors, early treatment and lifestyle changes can help prevent GERD. Apart from this disease, there are also other diseases that can increase the risk of developing GERD, such as Celiac disease, diabetes, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

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