Acid reflux is a common yet distressing condition that mostly affects adults. It usually occurs when stomach acid moves back up into the oesophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. Medically, acid reflux is also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which affects between 7.6% and 30% of Indians, with spicy food, non-vegetarian diets, and the presence of H. pylori bacteria as common risk factors, according to a study published in the Indian Journal of Gastroenterology.
However, besides lifestyle factors and pre-existing bacterial conditions, some experts claim that acid reflux can be more prevalent in people with a family history of the condition. The OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Prasad Bhate, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, to understand the same.
Also Read: GERD: Foods That Trigger Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Possible Causes Of Acid Reflux
Several factors can lead to acid reflux. These include unhealthy lifestyle habits as well as pre-existing medical conditions.
According to Dr Bhate, hiatal hernia, a condition in which part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm muscle, obesity, pregnancy, some medications, smoking, alcohol intake, and caffeine consumption can increase the risk of acid reflux.
In addition, eating large meals, resting down right after eating, eating fatty or spicy foods, and increased stress can also contribute to the condition. Moreover, in certain cases, delayed stomach emptying, scleroderma, and diabetes could also cause acid reflux, the doctor adds.
Can Acid Reflux Run In Families?
Unfortunately, acid reflux can run in families.
Dr Bhate says, “The general health of the intestines and the strength and function of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) may be affected by genetic factors.”
According to a 2018 study published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases, researchers highlighted the significant influence of genes on GERD, sharing that a family history of the condition can increase a person's risk by up to 31%.
In certain cases, families with similar lifestyles and eating patterns may also be more likely to have relatives who experience acid reflux.
Also Read: Acid Reflux At Night: Expert Explains Causes, Risk Factors, And Management
How To Prevent Acid Reflux If You Have A Family History?
Dr Bhate says, "People who have a family history of acid reflux disorder might benefit from taking certain precautions, such as keeping a healthy weight, eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down right after eating, and raising the head during sleep."
Making changes to the diet and giving up smoking, alcohol, and caffeine can also prove beneficial, he notes.
You may also want to consider your food choices, as certain foods, like spicy dishes, chocolate, peppermint, and acidic fruits like citrus, can trigger heartburn and acidity.
If the symptoms are persistent and do not go away with lifestyle changes, doctors may prescribe Over-The-Counter (OTC) antacids, H2 blockers, and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), which lower stomach acid.
"In more severe situations, prescription medications may be required," says Dr Bhate, adding that surgery, such as fundoplication, is an option for those who do not respond to other treatments.