Ghassan Al-Sabbagh MD, is a successful North Carolina physician
with an excellent reputation for his knowledge in gastroenterology and
hepatology. He has over thirty years of experience and has seen thousands of
patients with acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
Though countless patients suffer from acid reflux disease,
doctors like Ghassan Al-Sabbagh, MD, aren’t always sure what the cause is. The
disease can be caused by a variety of factors, such as those touched on below:
Hiatal
Hernia
A hiatal hernia is a stomach abnormality that surfaces when
the LES, or lower esophageal sphincter, and the upper part of the stomach move
higher than the diaphragm. The diaphragm separates your chest from your stomach
and normally helps prevent stomach acid from rising to the esophagus. A hiatal
hernia makes it easier for the acid to rise.
Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of cancer in the esophagus
and can contribute to acid reflux disease by reducing the function of the LES
muscle. It can also cause acid reflux disease by increasing acid secretion,
reducing salivation, impairing throat muscle reflexes and damaging mucus
membranes.
Pregnancy
Many women, especially those who have not had children,
experience acid reflux when they become pregnant. Most prevalent during the
third trimester, pregnancy-related acid reflux can be caused by the pressures
of the growing fetus and the increase in hormone levels.
Common
Foods
Certain foods cause acid reflux more than others. These
common foods include coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate, carbonated beverages,
spicy foods, garlic, onions, foods containing tomato, fatty foods, fried foods,
mint and citrus fruits.
NOTE: The above information is not intended as a substitute for
professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Seek the in-person advice
of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider like GhassanAl-Sabbagh MD, with any questions regarding a medical condition.
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