The cause of acid reflux is a weak Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (LOS) which can be defective from birth or can become weakened over a period of time. Factors such as obesity, smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise are all potential contributory factors.
Normally the LOS serves as a protective barrier between the oesophagus and stomach but when the LOS loses its muscular tone, stomach acids and bile flow back up, or reflux, into the oesophagus.
Unlike the stomach, the lining of the oesophagus does not have a protective barrier to gastric reflux and the acid and other gastric contents cause irritation, inflammation (oesophagitis), ulcerations and strictures.
