Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) results when gastric acid, food, and liquid from the stomach chronically flow up into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach).

GERD is caused by a weakness or transient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle. The LES sits at the juncture between the esophagus and the stomach. When you eat, food and liquid travel down the esophagus to the stomach. Once they arrive, the resting tone of the LES helps keep stomach contents from refluxing or moving backward into the esophagus. But when the LES is weakened, it does not work properly. Stomach contents may reflux into the esophagus, which can cause the burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn.

Factors that contribute to LES weakening include the following:

Smoking

Caffeinated beverages

Alcohol

Fatty foods, especially chocolate and fried foods

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop GERD with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing GERD.

GERD or heartburn can occur in men, women, and children of all ages, including infants.

Risk factors include:

The following habits can increase the risk of heartburn or GERD:

Obesity

Exercising immediately after eating (especially jogging or strenuous activity)

Smoking

Lying down soon after meals

Bending over or straining, especially soon after meals

Alcohol (especially excess) use

Eating chocolate

Drinking carbonated beverages, caffeinated beverages, and decaffeinated coffee

Eating spicy foods or acidic foods like citrus or tomatoes.

While most Americans suffer from heartburn at one time or another, it is estimated that 17 million Americans suffer from chronic GERD.

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