Causes of Heartburn

Caused of Heartburn

When food is swallowed, it travels from the mouth to the stomach through a hollow tube called the esophagus. Before entering the stomach, Food must pass through a tight muscle first before entering the stomach which is at the lower part of the esophagus. It is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The functionality of the lower esophageal sphincter is to prevent food from traveling backward into the esophagus.

Stomach acid digests the food once the food is in the stomach. This acid is very strong and can damage most parts of the body; etc vomiting will damaged the esophagus. Fortunately, the stomach is protected from its own acid by a special mucous layer. The esophagus, however, does not have any such special protection to protect itself. If the lower esophageal sphincter does not close completely, the lower part of the esophagus can be damaged by stomach acid. The person will experience heartburn when this happen.

Some of the reason may contribute to the loosening of the lower esophageal sphincter which may not close completely thus allowing stomach acid into the esophagus for these reasons:

•       Certain foods and drinks are known to loosen the lower esophageal sphincter which include peppermint, chocolate, caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks, fatty foods, and alcohol.
•         The position of the person is also an agenda. It is easier for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus if you are lying down or bending over.
•        Contracting of stomach muscles will also forces stomach acid backward into the esophagus can also causes heartburn. This is why lifting, straining, coughing, tight clothing, obesity, and pregnancy can worsen heartburn.
•        People who from these conditions include hiatal hernia, diabetes, and many autoimmune diseases (CREST syndrome, Raynaud phenomenon, and scleroderma) may contribute to heartburn as well.
•        Drugs such as certain blood pressure and heart medications and the asthma drug theophylline can loosen the lower esophageal sphincter.
•        Spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato sauces, cigarette smoke, aspirin, ibuprofen (with brand names such as Motrin and Advil), medicines for osteoporosis, and many other substances can directly irritate the lining of the esophagus and can contribute to heartburn.