one common cause of acid reflux disease is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia. this occurs when the upper part of the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter (les) move above the diaphragm a muscle that separates your stomach from your chest. normally the diaphragm helps keep acid in our stomach. but if you have a hiatal hernia acid can move up into your esophagus and cause symptoms of acid reflux disease. these are other common risk factors for acid reflux disease: eating large meals or lying down right after a meal. being overweight or obese. eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist. snacking close to bedtime. eating certain foods such as citrus tomato chocolate mint garlic onions or spicy or fatty foods. drinking certain beverages such as alcohol carbonated drinks coffee or tea. smoking. being pregnant. taking aspirin ibuprofen certain muscle relaxers or blood pressure medications.
what causes acid reflux disease?