What causes gastro-oesophageal reflux and who can get it?
In the stomach, food is dissolved by a powerful acid. The stomach itself is protected from the acid by a layer of mucus. However, the oesophagus isn’t coated with mucus and burns if the acid escapes. Gastro-oesophageal reflux happens when a ring of muscle (sphincter) at the bottom of the oesophagus doesn’t work properly. The sphincter is supposed to act as a valve which allows food into the stomach but doesn’t let acid escape. Acid can be forced out through the sphincter if there is a lot of pressure on the stomach. This is common after a large meal or if you are pregnant. It can even happen if you bend over too fast. This can happen to anyone. Sometimes the sphincter is weak and doesn’t shut properly so acid is released. This is also fairly common. On the other hand, your gastro-oesophageal reflux might be a symptom of another condition called a hiatus hernia. This means the stomach has been pushed through the sheet of muscle (diaphragm) which separates your chest cavity from your oth
