Read
on to Discover what the Risk Factors of the
Disease Are
Although
heartburn is the most common symptom associated
with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), it
nevertheless, may be caused by several factors
that include Hiatal Hernia, obesity, asthma,
pregnancy, peptic ulcer, diabetes, delayed
emptying of stomach contents, connective tissue
disorders and a few more disease conditions.
However, a singular condition that is universal
among most GERD cases is the weakening of the
lower esophageal sphincter
muscle.
Here
Are Some of the Conditions That Enhance the Risk
Factors
GERD
risk factors include hiatal hernia or
diaphragmatic hernia, in which, part of the
stomach crosses its boundary and comes protruding
into the lower chest. GERD related to hernia is
bad when the protrusion is large enough to weaken
the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. And when
this happens, the stomach contents including the
acid get back into the esophagus, thus creating
severe heartburn.
Obesity
can also lead to GERD. Obesity puts extra pressure
on the stomach as well as the diaphragm that
separates the abdomen from the stomach. This opens
the lower esophageal sphincter, and as a result,
the stomach acids go back to the esophagus,
causing heartburn and related discomfort. So lose
weight to avoid GERD.
Lifestyle
and Dietary Patterns as Risk
Factors
Our
lifestyle or certain habits also contribute
negatively. For example, those who smoke, drink
excessively or overheat are prone to suffer from
GERD.
Asthma
also includes the list. Though asthma may not be
directly related to GERD, some asthma medications
that dilate the air path to provide relief also
dilates the lower esophageal sphincter muscle,
thereby allowing stomach acids to get back into
the esophagus. This naturally, enhances the
chances of getting affected. Some are also of the
opinion that GERD risk factors are made worse due
to the excessive coughing and problems in
breathing - that all puts extra pressure on the
stomach.
Pregnancy
is another cause of GERD. Pregnant women often
become victims of GERD as this too causes extra
pressure on the stomach. The condition is worsened
because it triggers a much higher production of a
hormone (progesterone) that loosens up several
muscles including the lower esophageal sphincter
muscle.
Addressing
the Risks of GERD
GERD
can be treated using both conventional drugs as
well as holistic remedies. However the fact is,
conventional drugs are able to address just the
symptoms of the disease, when it comes to the
risks of GERD, but the root causes of the disease
remain unattended. Holistic remedies on the other
hand, in an effort to treat GERD risk factors, aim
to treat the contributing factors, and are thus
more effective in reducing or eradicating
GERD.
GERD is complicated and the
causes are also many such as Candida infections,
dietary patterns, lifestyles, and also genetic
traits. So it is important to treat the body as
whole, and this is what holistic remedies do. This
is why holistic remedies are so effective in the
treatment of
GERD.