What causes Acid Reflux?.
No one knows why people get ACID REFLUX DISEASE (GERD). A hiatal hernia may contribute. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest. The diaphragm helps the LES keep acid from coming up into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is present, it is easier for the acid to come up. In this way, a hiatal hernia can cause reflux. A hiatal hernia can happen in people of any age; many otherwise healthy people over 50 have a small one. Acid refluxes from the stomach when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) isn’t working properly. This sphincter is usually tightly closed and opens only when food passes from the esophagus into the stomach. In addition to the conditions listed under “Who gets it?”, there are a number of factors that can cause the LES to open and let stomach acids reflux. These include eating very large meals, lying down within two to three hours of eating, and taking certain drugs includ
