Causes of GERD

Do most of you think there is a specific reason that a person gets GERD? I wonder because I often see posts that say "You need to find out why you are having GERD". I know certain things, like a hiatial hernia, certain medications, lifestyle, etc can cause GERD, as well as a weakened LES, but assuming that you don't have a hernia, cut out any medications that can cause GERD, make lifestyle changes and are not at an age where your LES is likely to be weakened due to age, do you think it is likely for someone to have GERD?

Do some people develop it "just cause"? Or is there usually something that can be pinpointed?

Hey Beth,

I do feel like I have done this to myself because I have led an extremely unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle. I have some pretty interesting "food issues" to deal with.

However, babies get this disease from a non-functioning LES (usually), so I know this isn't the case for everyone. I just have a lot of residual guilt for treating my body like crap for 98% of my life.

So yes, some people can develop it just because. It's a equal-opportunity disease. I also believe that it can come from irresponsible lifestyle, although I don't care to judge anyone except myself (for instance, obesity is a risk factor for both GERD and hiatal hernia).

Take care,
Ashley

You may want to read this info as it answers your questions. 

http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/a/causes_of_gerd.htm

I think I've said before, GERD doesn't play fair! When I first got it I looked into the causes identified in the studies, for acid reflux and gastritis (I have both). According to the studies I should be overweight, or bit heavy on the drink, or have a poor diet with lots of fast food, drink buckets of coke or coffee, or, failing all that, I must have Helicobacter. Nope. I have none of the above and never have. And although I have a hernia, it's tiny and wasn't even present on my first scope, thus ruling that out as the cause.

You can drive yourself crazy wanting to know the cause. I'd settle for anything that just makes it more liveable.

And it's the same for other diseases: my mother never smoked, never used hormonal treatments and breastfed all her babies, yet she still managed to die of breast cancer...... "There are more things in heaven and earth ...."

MMM