The reflux of stomach contents is caused by the lower esophageal sphincter relaxing or being subjected to abnormally high pressure, which could be due to delayed stomach emptying, a hiatal hernia (one in which the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity), or visceral hypersensitivity (excessive signaling from the nerves of internal organs).[1] Contrary to popular belief, H. pylori isn’t a confirmed cause of GERD, and its treatment has been linked to improvements, worsening, or no effect on GERD symptoms.[2][3] Current evidence has not been able to point to stomach acidity alone as a cause of GERD, and it’s likely that multiple factors contribute to the condition.[4][5][6]
Risk factors for GERD include being 50 years or older, smoking, frequently using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs or aspirin, having obesity, living at a low socioeconomic status, and drinking alcohol.[1][7] Sleep deprivation can worsen GERD symptoms.[8]
References
- ^Eusebi LH, Ratnakumaran R, Yuan Y, Solaymani-Dodaran M, Bazzoli F, Ford ACGlobal prevalence of, and risk factors for, gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms: a meta-analysis.Gut.(2018-03)
- ^Mou WL, Feng MY, Hu LHEradication of Helicobacter Pylori Infections and GERD: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Turk J Gastroenterol.(2020-12)
- ^Zhao Y, Li Y, Hu J, Wang X, Ren M, Lu G, Lu X, Zhang D, He SThe Effect of Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.Dig Dis.(2020)
- ^Ergun P, Kipcak S, Dettmar PW, Fisher J, Woodcock AD, Bor SPepsin and pH of Gastric Juice in Patients With Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease and Subgroups.J Clin Gastroenterol.(2022-Jul-01)
- ^Januszewicz W, Hartley J, Waldock W, Roberts G, Alias B, Hobson A, Wernisch L, di Pietro MEndoscopic measurement of gastric pH associates with persistent acid reflux in patients treated with proton-pump inhibitors for gastroesophageal reflux disease.United European Gastroenterol J.(2019-Dec-01)
- ^Roman S, Serraj I, Damon H, Mion FCorrelation between gastric pH and gastro-oesophageal reflux contents: ambulatory pH-impedance monitoring results.Neurogastroenterol Motil.(2007-Jul)
- ^Pan J, Cen L, Chen W, Yu C, Li Y, Shen ZAlcohol Consumption and the Risk of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.Alcohol Alcohol.(2019-Jan-01)
- ^Yamasaki T, Quan SF, Fass RThe effect of sleep deficiency on esophageal acid exposure of healthy controls and patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.Neurogastroenterol Motil.(2019-12)