Which conditions can cause gastro-oesophageal reflux?

In the previous post, I have talked to you about gastro-oesophageal reflux, now it's time to see who contributes to the problems. In many cases, the disorder cannot be attributed to any specific cause but the following conditions can contribute to the problem.

Hiatus hernia
The stomach pokes through the diaphragm, preventing the muscle fibres of the diaphragm from closing the lower end of the oesophagus. The oesophagus remains wide open which allows stomach acid to get into the oesophagus.

Overweight
If the person is overweight the excessive fat in the abdominal cavity increases the pressure inside it. This causes the contents of the stomach to travel up into the gullet. Loss of weight reduces stomach acid reflux.

Pregnancy
Because the uterus increases in size during pregnancy, it presses on the stomach, creating higher pressure inside it, which increases the tendency to reflux. In addition, hormonal changes lead to relaxation of the oesophageal sphincter during pregnancy.

Meals
The more the stomach is stretched by food, the higher the tendency to reflux. The tendency is also increased by eating fatty meals as fat delays gastric emptying. Try to avoid large rich meals, particularly in the evening and this will reduce the tendency to reflux.

Foods
Chocolate, peppermint, coffee, fruit juices, sour, hot spicy food and alcohol and over eating prevent the oesophageal sphincter from working properly.

Tobacco
Tobacco prevents the oesophageal sphincter from working in order, reduces the rate at which the stomach empties and increases stomach acid production.

Constipation
Constipation increases the tendency to reflux by raising pressure inside the stomach cavity.

Lying down
The tendency to reflux increases when you are lying down. This is just due to gravity. A simple way to change that is to use a pillow under the mattress or to raise the head of your bed by 3 inches with blocks or a house brick under the bed frame.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorders diagnosed?
The symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux may be so obvious that no tests are needed. There are others scary test as well but we dont advise to do.
If the doctor is in doubt, or if the symptoms are very troublesome, a gastroscopy will be considered. During the procedure oesophagitis, hiatus hernias, peptic ulcers and other conditions can be either found or ruled out.

Another possibility is to measure the acidity in the lower end of the oesophagus during a 24-hour period. This will give an indication of how often and how long the reflux episodes last.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux can resemble those of a peptic ulcer, chest pains (angina pectoris), muscle pains, back problems, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, pancreatic disease etc. These conditions will sometimes have to be ruled out before the diagnosis can be made.