Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

🔬Causes & Risk Factors

• 1Caused by weakening or inappropriate relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter
• 2allowing stomach acid to flow backward into the oesophagus. Risk factors include obesity
• 3which increases abdominal pressure
• 4hiatal hernia
• 5pregnancy
• 6smoking
• 7and consumption of certain foods and beverages such as spicy food
• 8caffeine
• 9alcohol
• 10and fatty meals. Eating large meals or lying down soon after eating can also trigger or worsen reflux episodes.