too much reading

[rynatkins]

      Concerning the condition of Acid Reflux,(heartburn) are the onset and symptoms of this condition attributed more to the Lower Esophageal Sphincter weakening,  not being strong enough to return to a properly closed/sealed state after ingestion, or, could we attribute the on-set and symptoms more to muscle distension which would  allow excessive or unused acidic content to  force its way easily back into esophagus since the only direction unused acids can go if not down is up?

        Also, since the brain controls the L.E.S. function,(I.e. regulates pressure to keep it closed, is there a possibility that a malfunctioning L.E.S. may be neuroligical in nature? Or, is there a possibility of the brain and LES not communicating properly.(i.e. LES sending inaccurate information to the brain, The brain sending incomplete instructions, or possibly the messages being distorted on their passage through the spinal cord? I was just curious, Thanks for your time..

[CalGal]

It may depend on the people you're talking with as to what 'hypothesis' is considered correct. In some cases weight gain can cause GERD. The added upward pressure on the stomach can over-ride the negative pressures in the thoracic cavity, and acid can easily move from stomach to esophagus.

Others suggest that problems with the LES stems from a weakening of ligaments around the esophagus that hold a specific portion of the LES in place. In many with a hiatal hernia, the ligaments are weakened to the point that the stomach rides upward and the hernia results. This makes it all too easy for acid to move upward because the reinforcing effect of the diaphragm and the ligaments are 'gone.'

The neural input theory can also be a part of the equation. The ring of muscles within the area of the LES play a big role in keeping that area of the esophagus 'closed.' The usual stimulus to that area is 'on-going' and designed to stay closed. If something interrrupts the input - lack of neural functioning; medications; even some foods can induce relaxation - the muscles relax and acid can reflux.

I don't think there's one all-inclusive reason from why acid reflux occurs. However, the popluar media and the drug companies have latched onto the 'too much acid' theory.

[FurballsMom]

Here is some information I received in a recent newsletter that should help clarify matters for you:
http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/a/knowaboutgerd.htm?nl=1
http://video.about.com/heartburn/GERD.htm?nl=1

I haven't heard anything about it being neurological in nature.  I suppose it's possible, since so many with Fibromyalgia have GERD, but your first paragraph is more in line with what GI doctors usually say.