Acid reflux is a condition that involves the stomach acids that are naturally in your stomach. In some individuals, the natural stomach acids begin to rise and make their way to the esophagus. This is due to the fact that the valve designed to act as a barrier between the stomach and esophagus is not functioning properly. There are many causes of acid reflux, but many wonder if this condition is genetic and hereditary at all. In order to understand what causes acid reflux, you need to understand all the details of this common condition.
Is Acid Reflux Like Heartburn?
Acid reflux and heartburn are terms that are used interchangeably, but they are not exactly defining the same thing. Acid reflux is the condition of the acid moving into the esophagus and heartburn is a term used to describe a common symptom of acid reflux.
Is Acid Reflux Hereditary?
There are many different causes of acid reflux, but recently it has been determined that acid reflux can be passed onto you genetically. Acid reflux is a chronic condition and it can’t be attributed to just lifestyle and diet alone. Research performed by the Maryland Medical center found a genetic link between acid reflux and those suffering from this condition.
Almost 40 percent of acid reflux may be hereditary ad food choices combined with lifestyle habits can make up the rest. Some of the mores severe cases of acid reflux can lead to more serious diseases. In these serious illnesses connected to acid reflux, it is easy to see a genetic link. This means that acid reflux can be hereditary in some cases. However, just because your parents have this condition does not mean that you also will. The connection between genetics is still being researched.
What Are The Other Causes of Acid Reflux?
Heredity is not the only known cause of acid reflux. Some of the more known causes of this condition include a stomach abnormality that is called hiatal hernia. This abnormality results in a section of the stomach being positioned above the diaphragm and this leads to stomach acid reaching the esophagus easier. Other causes that are common also include obesity, eating close to bedtime, laying down quickly after eating a large meal and smoking.
Acid reflux is a chronic condition, so there is no real cure and management of this condition is the goal.
