Alcohol and Smoking
Lifestyle habits also play a role in increasing a person’s chances of developing GERD. Alcohol, for example, is known to trigger acid reflux, especially red wine. Although it’s not entirely clear why alcohol causes GERD, a couple of theories are “alcohol interferes with the LES’s ability to function as a barrier” or “it may have something to do with the acidity of alcoholic beverages,” says RefluxMD.com.
Smoking is another habit that can increase the risk of GERD. WebMD indicates there are several reasons why, including that it increases acid secretion, reduces LES muscle function, and reduces salivation, “which neutralizes the effect of acid.”

Dietary Triggers
Diet is another key risk factor for GERD, especially if certain trigger foods are consumed. According to Georgia Reflux Surgery, these foods include citrus fruits and juices, caffeinated products, chocolate, spicy or fried foods, as well as anything made from tomatoes.
WebMD adds these foods are especially likely to cause GERD when eaten in large quantities, and “lying down right after a meal can trigger heartburn or other symptoms of acid reflux disease, such as a dry cough or trouble swallowing.”

Other Risk Factors
There are a variety of other risk factors that can contribute to GERD. Asthma is one factor, where “reflux starts as a result of continuous coughing and pressure in the lungs,” says HealthCommunities.com. The source adds that certain asthma medications have also been shown to relax the LES.
Diabetics who suffer from gastroparesis are also more likely to suffer from GERD, as the condition causes the stomach to empty much slower than usual, leading to reflux. HealthCommunities.com says that peptic ulcers are also known to cause GERD “because food does not move from the stomach to the small intestine efficiently.”

Dr. Gerald Morris
Gerald Morris, MD is a family medicine/internal medicine physician with over 20 years expertise in the medical arena. Dr. Morris has spent time as a clinician, clinical research coordinator/manager, medical writer, and instructor. He is a proponent of patient education as a tool in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic medical conditions.