Why does acid reflux occur

This leads to reflux and heartburn. Some—including postmenopausal estrogen, tricyclic antidepressants, and anti-inflammatory painkillers—can relax the sphincter, while others—particularly bisphosphonates like alendronate Fosamax , ibandronate Boniva , or risedronate Actonel , which are taken to increase bone density—can irritate the esophagus.

If these steps aren't effective or if you have severe pain or difficulty swallowing, see your doctor to rule out other causes. You may also need medication to control reflux even as you pursue lifestyle changes.

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No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Recent Blog Articles. Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health? Preventing preeclampsia may be as simple as taking an aspirin. Caring for an aging parent? Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach esophagus.

This backwash acid reflux can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. GERD is mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week, or moderate to severe acid reflux that occurs at least once a week.

Most people can manage the discomfort of GERD with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. But some people with GERD may need stronger medications or surgery to ease symptoms. Seek immediate medical care if you have chest pain, especially if you also have shortness of breath, or jaw or arm pain.

These may be signs and symptoms of a heart attack. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Subscribe for free and receive your in-depth guide to digestive health, plus the latest on health innovations and news. You can unsubscribe at any time. Error Email field is required.

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You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Your in-depth digestive health guide will be in your inbox shortly. You will also receive emails from Mayo Clinic on the latest health news, research, and care. It sounds as though you have a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux LPR. This occurs when stomach contents, including acid and enzymes, back up into the esophagus and injure the tissues of the larynx voice box and pharynx throat.

The cause is malfunctioning of the upper and lower esophageal sphincter muscles. These muscles are supposed to keep food moving in the right direction, from mouth to stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter prevents stomach acid from moving up the esophagus. When it malfunctions, stomach acid irritates the esophageal tissue immediately above the stomach, causing symptoms such as heartburn and chest pain with swallowing.

This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux GERD. The upper esophageal sphincter keeps stomach acid out of the pharynx and larynx.

When it doesn't work properly, you can develop symptoms such as hoarseness, loss of voice, chronic cough, phlegm in the back of the throat, and a feeling that something is stuck in the throat. Experts don't know why. It may be that the larynx and pharynx are more sensitive to acid than the esophagus. Also, refluxed acid is more likely to pool in the larynx and pharynx, resulting in prolonged exposure.

If you're one of the millions who suffer from heartburn, you know how unpleasant it can be. Heartburn, or acid reflux, is characterized by a feeling of burning in your chest or throat and actually has nothing to do with your heart.

Heartburn happens because stomach acid becomes backed up in the esophagus, which moves food from your mouth to your stomach. The burning sensation is usually the result of stomach acid leaking up into the esophagus through a flaw in a valve known as the lower esophageal sphincter LES , which connects the esophagus and the stomach.

When the LES doesn't tighten properly or becomes weakened, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing a burning feeling. Many things can trigger heartburn. The most common cause is food that's acidic or high in fat—like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and peppermint. Spicy foods or large meals can also be the root of distress. Other sources of heartburn include aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as some sedatives and blood pressure medications.

Tobacco in cigarettes is known to affect LES function too; cigarette smoking relaxes the muscle, which can result in heartburn.