What causes acid reflux and who does it affect?
The sphincter at the bottom of the oesophagus normally prevents acid reflux. Problems occur if the sphincter does not work very well. This is common, but in most cases it is not known why it does not work so well. Having a hiatus hernia makes you more prone to reflux. A hiatus hernia is when part of your stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the lower chest. (See separate leaflet called ‘Hiatus Hernia’.) Most people have heartburn at some time, perhaps after a large meal. However, about 1 in 3 adults have some heartburn every few days, and nearly 1 in 10 adults have heartburn at least once a day. In many cases it is mild and soon passes. However, it is quite common for symptoms to be frequent or severe enough to affect quality of life. It is people who have severe and long-standing reflux who are more likely to develop Barrett’s Oesophagus.
