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