Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause pain and erode the esophagus over time. Different conditions and lifestyle choices have been found to increase the chance that a person will eventually develop GERD.
You should know some of the most common risk factors for GERD to prevent it from impacting your health.
Diabetes
Diabetes can damage the nerves in the stomach and cause a problem known as delayed stomach emptying. The slow emptying of the stomach allows pressure to build that forces acid into the esophagus. The way to combat this problem is to always monitor blood sugar levels and to seek medical treatment for diabetes.
Excessive Alcohol or Caffeine Consumption
Although the evidence is not conclusive, there is a chance that excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption can increase the risk of developing GERD. The main reason is that both substances actually prevent the esophagus from working correctly and getting rid of acid. It is best to avoid excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine if you are worried about GERD.
Smoking
Smoking causes weakness in the valve that stops acid from moving out of the stomach and into the esophagus. Smoking regularly can lead to the development of GERD. You should stop smoking as soon as possible to remove this risk factor. Additionally, quitting smoking has a number of other health benefits.
Obesity
Obesity is linked with GERD. An obese body is placing extra weight on the stomach and esophagus. This extra weight increases the pressure in the stomach. The result is that acids are more easily forced back up into the esophagus, even when standing or sitting. Losing weight is the most effective way to prevent obesity from increasing the risk of developing GERD.
Asthma
Nearly one out of every five people with asthma also has GERD. The exact link between asthma and GERD is not fully known. If you have asthma, then the best way to prevent GERD is to make sure the asthma is being fully treated by a doctor. Ignoring asthma is always a mistake.
Exercising or Laying Down After a Meal
Something that can cause GERD is consistently eating and then exercising or laying down soon afterwards. This does not give the stomach enough time to process the food. The result is that acids make it back into the esophagus. Avoiding this risk factor involves waiting 30 minutes to an hour before performing strenuous physical activities or lying down.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause women to develop GERD. The weight of the growing baby and the hormones released during pregnancy can affect the stomach and esophagus. There is really no way to avoid this problem. Fortunately, most women stop experiencing GERD symptoms anywhere from a week to two months after giving birth.
Certain Medications
Several types of medications are known to increase the risk of GERD. These include asthma medications, hypertension medications, anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants. If these medications are causing symptoms, then it might help to talk to a doctor about different prescriptions that might not have the same effect.
