Sphincter, diaphragm and stomach
Fat and overeating, tight clothing and bending over. All of these things can lead to heartburn. But what are the mechanisms behind this? What Causes Heartburn? You read it here.
Heartburn is caused by stomach acid entering the esophagus. There are several reasons for this. The three most common causes are the malfunctioning of the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach, a rupture in the diaphragm or a lazy stomach.
sphincter
The sphincter normally prevents stomach contents from flowing up into the esophagus. If this valve between the esophagus and stomach no longer closes properly, this is possible. This happens especially in pregnant women and people with overweight. The pressure on their stomach is greater than normal with them. Constipation can also increase pressure.
In addition, the sphincter can relax somewhat with age. The same can be caused by alcohol, chocolate and peppermint. The sphincter can also work less well due to some medicines and smoking.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm (diaphragm) is the muscle plate that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. There is an opening in this muscle plate. This is where the esophagus runs from the thoracic cavity to the abdominal cavity. The sphincter between the esophagus and stomach is at the same level as the diaphragm.
The diaphragm has the same function as the sphincter: preventing stomach acid from flowing into the esophagus. The sphincter and diaphragm work optimally when they are at exactly the same height.
If the opening in the diaphragm is slightly wider than normal, it becomes a diaphragmatic hernia called. Part of the stomach can then rise. When the sphincter and the diaphragm are no longer at the same height, the stomach acid flows back.
A diaphragmatic hernia is common. Many people have it without even knowing it. It can be congenital, but a diaphragm rupture can also be caused by an accident or a slackening of the diaphragm. As people get older, the muscles can relax a bit. This can also happen with the diaphragm.
lazy stomach
A lazy stomach means delayed gastric emptying. This condition is a result of a disturbance in the movements of the stomach: the stomach muscle contracts too little or irregularly. As a result, the food stays in the stomach longer than normal.
The stomach does not release the food quickly enough to the small intestine. The pressure on the stomach increases, which can cause belching and heartburn.
