What causes gastric acid reflux?

Under normal circumstances, acid reflux may be caused by improper diet, incorrect posture after eating, indigestion, achalasia, chronic gastritis, or other reasons. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Improper Diet

Consuming excessive high-fat, spicy, acidic foods or beverages can stimulate overproduction of gastric acid, exceeding the defensive capacity of the lower esophageal sphincter and leading to acid reflux. It is advisable to adjust dietary habits and avoid such foods and drinks.

2. Incorrect Posture After Eating

Lying down immediately after meals, bending over, or engaging in vigorous exercise increases intra-abdominal pressure, making it easier for stomach contents and gastric acid to reflux into the esophagus. This can be improved in daily life by remaining upright for about half an hour after eating.

3. Indigestion

Eating too quickly or consuming hard-to-digest foods may lead to indigestion. Indigestion weakens gastrointestinal function, causing food retention in the stomach and delayed gastric emptying, which stimulates increased gastric acid secretion and results in the aforementioned symptoms. Symptoms may include bloating and acid regurgitation. Treatment may include medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets, Hawthorn pills, or Zhishi Daozhi pills, used as directed by a physician.

4. Achalasia

Achalasia may be related to genetic, psychological, or viral infection factors. Neuromuscular dysfunction of the cardia prevents it from relaxing properly, making it difficult for food and gastric acid to pass through, thereby causing acid reflux. Symptoms may include weight loss and malnutrition. Patients should take medications such as nifedipine tablets, nitroglycerin tablets, or verapamil hydrochloride tablets as prescribed by a doctor.

5. Chronic Gastritis

Long-term unhealthy eating habits and Helicobacter pylori infection can cause chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, affecting gastric acid secretion and cardia function, resulting in acid reflux. Symptoms may include loss of appetite and vomiting. Treatment under medical guidance may include amoxicillin capsules, clarithromycin capsules, and lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets.

To prevent acid reflux, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, avoid overeating and consuming high-fat or spicy foods, maintain proper posture after meals, refrain from vigorous activity, and pay attention to emotional well-being and lifestyle habits to support gastrointestinal health.