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| Many people, often pregnant women, suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion caused by GERD. One study reported that 20% of people had frequent symptoms of GERD but that very few of them sought help for the condition. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately allowing the stomach's contents to flow up into the esophagus. Studies also show that hiatal hernia results in retention of acid and other contents above this opening. Studies show that cigarette smoking relaxes the LES and that obesity and pregnancy can also cause GERD. Indigestion might be caused by a disease or an ulcer in the digestive tract, but for most people it is simply a result of eating too much, eating too quickly, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, using medications that irritate the stomach lining, being tired, or having ongoing stress can also cause indigestion or make it worse. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common culprits in causing ulcers in the stomach. This event is similar to the asthmatic response to irritants in the airways. |
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