30 among some reflux sufferers. This allows more acidic content to reflux back into the esophagus, leading to GERD.
3. Random Relaxation of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter: Normally, the LES relaxes for a few seconds after swallowing to allow food and liquids to pass through. However, among some GERD sufferers, the LES relaxes at random times for several minutes, allowing acid to reflux to the esophagus.
4. Hiatal Hernia: Interestingly, although there’ s a significant link between hiatal hernia( a condition where the part that connects the stomach to the esophagus is pushed between the LES and the diaphragm, thus compromising the ability of the diaphragm to help the contractions of the LES, resulting in GERD) and between acid reflux, very few GERD sufferers have a hiatal hernia and vice versa. Many people that have hiatal hernia don’ t suffer from reflux symptoms.
A hiatal hernia can also cause acid to build up in the part where the stomach pushes its way past the LES, a condition called hiatal sac. The acid that is built up can easily find its way into the esophagus as the latter relaxes.
A hiatal hernia also alters the angle at which the stomach and esophagus connect, thus making the LES ineffective in preventing acid from backing up into the esophagus, a condition that is often referred to as“ broken door.”
But again, it’ s a fact that very few reflux sufferers have hiatal hernias.
5. Difficulty in Swallowing. Some reflux sufferers experience difficulty in swallowing food and pushing it from the top of the esophagus through to the stomach. This causes a buildup of acid that damages the esophagus.
Genes are only part of the problem as some of us are more prone to diseases than others, but that is not to say that if we have some tendency to develop a
Jeff Martin – Heartburn No More Page 30