What Causes Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, commonly associated with GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease), affects around 60 million Americans every month, and nearly 25 million people every day. Most people experience acid reflux (the process of reflux splashing from the stomach back up into the esophagus) in the form of uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, or burping. While it’s normal to experience episodes of reflux occasionally, chronic acid reflux (reflux that occurs at least 2-3 times per week) is typically caused by issues with the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that result in stomach acid and bile splashing back up into the esophagus.

The LES is a muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and the esophagus. When the LES functions correctly it opens to allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach, then closes to create a barrier between the esophagus and stomach acid. A weak LES will not close correctly and will allow stomach acid to wash back into the esophagus, often causing injury to the lining of the esophagus and symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, sore throat, and cough. Chronic acid reflux can be debilitating for patients and is oftentimes an indicator that a patient is suffering from a more serious condition called GERD.

 Ready to put an end to your acid reflux symptoms? Schedule an appointment with our reflux doctors today!