First to understand what acid reflux causes are, one must understand what acid reflux is. Acid reflux or more commonly know as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is when acids from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, sometimes called the food tube. Stomach acid is comprised of hydrochloric acid and enzymes, most notable is pepsin. When food is taken into the mouth and swallowed it flows downward with the help of the esophagus through wave like muscle contractions called peristalsis. Where the esophagus and the stomach meet there is a band of muscles called the LES (lower esophageal sphincter), that when food is swallowed, opens, allowing food to pass into the stomach and closes when food enters. This is where one of the acid reflux causes could lie.

This band of muscles also acts as a barrier keeping stomach acid in the stomach. If this pressure barrier weakens or loses its tone it may not close completely after food is deposited into the stomach, thus allowing acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing pain form the acid burning the sensitive lining of the esophagus or more commonly known as “heart burn”. Drugs, dietary substances and nervous system issues can weaken or impair the function of the LES.

Acid reflux causes could also be attributed to abnormal nerve or muscle function in the stomach. If there is abnormal nerve or muscle function present, it can prevent the stomach from emptying properly, thus causing a build up of acid and therefore a reflux action.

Abnormalities in the esophagus may also be a cause of acid reflux. These are sometimes marked with hoarseness, a chronic cough or the feeling of having a lump in the throat.

Stress, high fatty or acidic meals can cause the over production of stomach acid and cause the acid to be pushed back into the esophagus.

Pregnancy or obesity can be a cause of acid reflux. The added weight around the stomach can cause the LES muscles to be weakened, allowing a back flow of acid to occur.

Asthma and COPD can be a cause of acid reflux. These restrict air flow and proper blood circulation, not only to the esophagus and stomach but to all parts of the body.

Smoking can also contribute to acid reflux by reducing the function of the LES muscles, the muscles in the throat and damaging protective mucous membranes. Smoking also increases the production of acid and decreases salivation which is a natural acid reducer. Nicotine is the most likely culprit in all of these; although it has not been proven that it is not the smoke itself that causes the damage.
The last acid reflux cause is the possibility of a hiatal hernia. There is a diaphragm through which the esophagus passes and in this diaphragm there is a small opening which is called the hiatus. It is usually a tight fit but it can be weakened or become enlarged, allowing a part of the stomach muscle to protrude into it, causing a hiatal hernia. Until recently this was the most common diagnosis for acid reflux causes. A hiatal hernia may prevent the LES muscles from functioning properly thus allowing the reflux of acid to occur.

Acid reflux causes can be contributed to the weakening or damage to the lower esophageal sphincter muscles or LES muscles, abnormal nerve or muscle function in the stomach, abnormalities in the esophagus. Stress, high fatty or acidic diets can be a cause. Obesity or extra weight carried during a pregnancy, chronic breathing problems such as asthma, COPD and smoking, can be acid reflux causes.

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