What is Acid Reflux? Acid Reflux is also known as GERD, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. So what causes it? Its cause is said to be complex. There almost certainly are numerous causes, and diverse causes may be found in many patients or even in the same individual at various times. It is characterized in that a small number of patients with GERD produce unusually large amounts of stomach acid, but this is unusual and not a contributing factor in most patients.
The causes of Acid Reflux are found in the lower esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernias, emptying of the stomach, and esophageal contractions. The lower esophageal sphincter or (LES) is possibly the most significant factor for preventing reflux. The esophagus is a muscular tube that extends from the lower throat to the stomach. The LES is a particular ring of muscle that surrounds the lower-most end of the esophagus where it connects to the stomach.
The muscle that makes up the LES is constantly in use, constricting and closing off access from the esophagus into the stomach. This closing of the passage prevents reflux. When food or saliva is swallowed, the LES opens for a few seconds to let the food or...