General Health

What Causes Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux doesn’t have a single cause—several factors may contribute:

Weakened esophageal valve: The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) should close tightly after meals, but if it relaxes too often, acid can escape.

Overeating: Large meals increase pressure in the stomach and push acid upward.

Trigger foods & drinks: Spicy, acidic, fatty, or caffeinated items can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Smoking: Weakens the LES and damages the lining of the esophagus.

Pregnancy: Hormonal shifts and physical pressure can increase reflux.

Medications: Some medications (like antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, and sedatives) can interfere with LES function.

🔸 Recognizing the Symptoms

Acid reflux can present in several ways—some obvious, some more subtle:

🔥 Heartburn – A burning sensation in the chest, especially after meals or when lying down

🔁 Regurgitation – The feeling of food or acid backing up into your throat

👅 Sour taste in the mouth

🗣️ Hoarseness or a raspy voice

😷 Chronic cough or throat clearing

😮‍💨 Bad breath

🥴 Trouble swallowing (called dysphagia)

🔸 How It’s Treated

Treatment depends on how frequent and severe your symptoms are:

🟢 Lifestyle Adjustments

Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Avoid late-night eating

Identify and reduce trigger foods

Elevate your head while sleeping

Lose weight if overweight

Quit smoking

💊 Medication

Antacids: Provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid

H2 blockers / PPIs: Reduce acid production at the source

Prescriptions: Stronger meds may be needed for persistent symptoms

🔧 In Rare Cases: Surgery

If medications don’t help, surgical procedures can reinforce or rebuild the valve between the stomach and esophagus.

⚠️ If Left Untreated

Chronic acid reflux can lead to serious health issues, including:

Esophagitis: Inflammation or ulceration of the esophagus lining

Barrett’s Esophagus: A condition where the lining changes, increasing cancer risk

Esophageal Cancer: Rare, but possible in long-term untreated cases

✅ When to Talk to a Provider

If you’re experiencing symptoms more than twice a week, or notice difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, or chest pain—it’s time to check in. iVisitDoc providers are here to evaluate your symptoms and recommend the right care for you.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux doesn’t have a single cause—several factors may contribute:

Weakened esophageal valve: The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) should close tightly after meals, but if it relaxes too often, acid can escape.

Overeating: Large meals increase pressure in the stomach and push acid upward.

Trigger foods & drinks: Spicy, acidic, fatty, or caffeinated items can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Smoking: Weakens the LES and damages the lining of the esophagus.

Pregnancy: Hormonal shifts and physical pressure can increase reflux.

Medications: Some medications (like antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, and sedatives) can interfere with LES function.

🔸 Recognizing the Symptoms

Acid reflux can present in several ways—some obvious, some more subtle:

🔥 Heartburn – A burning sensation in the chest, especially after meals or when lying down

🔁 Regurgitation – The feeling of food or acid backing up into your throat

👅 Sour taste in the mouth

🗣️ Hoarseness or a raspy voice

😷 Chronic cough or throat clearing

😮‍💨 Bad breath

🥴 Trouble swallowing (called dysphagia)

🔸 How It’s Treated

Treatment depends on how frequent and severe your symptoms are:

🟢 Lifestyle Adjustments

Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Avoid late-night eating

Identify and reduce trigger foods

Elevate your head while sleeping

Lose weight if overweight

Quit smoking

💊 Medication

Antacids: Provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid

H2 blockers / PPIs: Reduce acid production at the source

Prescriptions: Stronger meds may be needed for persistent symptoms

🔧 In Rare Cases: Surgery

If medications don’t help, surgical procedures can reinforce or rebuild the valve between the stomach and esophagus.

⚠️ If Left Untreated

Chronic acid reflux can lead to serious health issues, including:

Esophagitis: Inflammation or ulceration of the esophagus lining

Barrett’s Esophagus: A condition where the lining changes, increasing cancer risk

Esophageal Cancer: Rare, but possible in long-term untreated cases

✅ When to Talk to a Provider

If you’re experiencing symptoms more than twice a week, or notice difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, or chest pain—it’s time to check in. iVisitDoc providers are here to evaluate your symptoms and recommend the right care for you.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux doesn’t have a single cause—several factors may contribute:

Weakened esophageal valve: The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) should close tightly after meals, but if it relaxes too often, acid can escape.

Overeating: Large meals increase pressure in the stomach and push acid upward.

Trigger foods & drinks: Spicy, acidic, fatty, or caffeinated items can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Smoking: Weakens the LES and damages the lining of the esophagus.

Pregnancy: Hormonal shifts and physical pressure can increase reflux.

Medications: Some medications (like antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, and sedatives) can interfere with LES function.

🔸 Recognizing the Symptoms

Acid reflux can present in several ways—some obvious, some more subtle:

🔥 Heartburn – A burning sensation in the chest, especially after meals or when lying down

🔁 Regurgitation – The feeling of food or acid backing up into your throat

👅 Sour taste in the mouth

🗣️ Hoarseness or a raspy voice

😷 Chronic cough or throat clearing

😮‍💨 Bad breath

🥴 Trouble swallowing (called dysphagia)

🔸 How It’s Treated

Treatment depends on how frequent and severe your symptoms are:

🟢 Lifestyle Adjustments

Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Avoid late-night eating

Identify and reduce trigger foods

Elevate your head while sleeping

Lose weight if overweight

Quit smoking

💊 Medication

Antacids: Provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid

H2 blockers / PPIs: Reduce acid production at the source

Prescriptions: Stronger meds may be needed for persistent symptoms

🔧 In Rare Cases: Surgery

If medications don’t help, surgical procedures can reinforce or rebuild the valve between the stomach and esophagus.

⚠️ If Left Untreated

Chronic acid reflux can lead to serious health issues, including:

Esophagitis: Inflammation or ulceration of the esophagus lining

Barrett’s Esophagus: A condition where the lining changes, increasing cancer risk

Esophageal Cancer: Rare, but possible in long-term untreated cases

✅ When to Talk to a Provider

If you’re experiencing symptoms more than twice a week, or notice difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, or chest pain—it’s time to check in. iVisitDoc providers are here to evaluate your symptoms and recommend the right care for you.