What causes GERD or chronic heartburn?
There is no known single cause of GERD. A major factor in creating GERD symptoms is the movement (reflux) of acidic gastric contents back into the esophagus. This may occur when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which acts as a protective barrier between the stomach and esophagus relaxes frequently at innappropriate times, or, less frequently, if the LES is severely compromised. Diet probably is not a primary cause of GERD. Nevertheless, patients frequently report that heartburn can be aggravated by food, in particular fatty foods. There has also been speculation that stress may aggravate heartburn by decreasing an individual’s sensitivity to acid. Stress and Heartburn Dr. Ronnie Fass at the University of Arizona in collaboration with faculty of the Neuroenteric Disease Program has recently shown that under conditions of a laboratory stressor, acid sensitivity is increased in subjects with GERD symptoms. Under one condition he had subjects listen to two different kinds of music simu
