What causes GERD to develop?

GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux. When you swallow, a circular band of muscle around the bottom of your esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into your stomach.

What are the two main causes of GERD?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) generally stems from just two underlying causes: those that have to do with reflux chemistry and those that stem from anatomical dysfunction. Chemical causes of GERD can include: fluids refluxed from the stomach irritating or damaging the esophagus.

What are the consequences of GERD?

Untreated gastroesophageal reflux disease can lead to esophagitis – inflammation of the esophagus. Stomach acid is very irritating to the lining of the esophagus and can cause long-term damage. Over time, you could develop a painful ulcer. Bleeding of the esophagus is a common long-term complication of GERD.

Who does GERD most commonly affect?

GERD affects people of all ages—from infants to older adults. People with asthma are at higher risk of developing GERD. Asthma flare-ups can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach contents to flow back, or reflux, into the esophagus.

Can GERD be brought on by stress?

Even though researchers don’t yet fully understand the connection between GERD and anxiety, it’s known that anxiety and stress can trigger or worsen symptoms related to GERD. You may be able to relieve many of your symptoms of both conditions using at-home remedies, but both conditions do warrant a visit to a doctor.

How long does GERD take to develop?

It usually starts about 30-60 minutes after eating and can last as long as 2 hours. Lying down or bending over can bring on heartburn or make it worse. It is sometimes referred to as acid indigestion.

Does GERD have long-term effects?

If not appropriately treated, GERD can lead to long-term problems due to the repeated irritation and damage to the esophagus. Conditions that may result from untreated GERD include: Esophagitis – A condition in which stomach acid leads to inflammation in the esophagus and difficulty swallowing.

Can GERD damage the esophagus?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which this backflow of acid is a frequent or ongoing problem. A complication of GERD is chronic inflammation and tissue damage in the esophagus.

Can GERD affect breathing?

GERD can be associated with breathing difficulties such as bronchospasm and aspiration. These difficulties can sometimes lead to life-threatening respiratory complications.

Why does GERD cause anxiety?

GERD is generally a non-dangerous disease, although the symptoms of GERD may be triggers for panic attacks. Stomach Pressure One of the issues that causes heartburn/acid reflux is pressure around the muscles of the stomach. This is linked to the fact that a common symptom of anxiety is muscle tension.