There are various reasons why people experience acid reflux. One of the common causes of this disease is the presence of peptic ulcers, coupled with an insufficient number of digestive enzymes. When one is suffering from peptic ulcers and does not have enough digestive enzymes in their stomach, this may result in the slowing down of the digestive process, thereby causing an accumulation of gastric acids which back up into the esophagus. While there are many causes of acid reflux, it only takes one of them to cause you days of pain and suffering.

Smoking is another key cause of acid reflux. Studies have shown that the saliva of smokers contains reduced levels of bicarbonates, which aid in the neutralization of acids. Generally, cigarette smoking is also responsible for the reduction in the production of saliva, as well as the stimulation of the production of stomach acids, the weakening of the esophageal sphincter, the promotion of movement of bile salts from the intestines into the stomach - which makes the acids more harmful, and the slowing down of digestion - which makes stomach pressure last longer, as it takes more time for the stomach to empty.

Asthma is another cause of acid reflux, although scientists have yet to come up with a definite explanation on the relationship between GERD and asthma. Some believe that coughing and sneezing as a result of asthmatic attacks, may cause changes in the chest cavity which could then trigger the disease. Others believe that the disease is as a result of asthma medications which are normally taken to dilate the airways, yet they may also result in the relaxing of the esophageal sphincter. Most asthma sufferers say that acid reflux worsens their asthma, because the acid tends to seep into the esophagus from the stomach, thereby stimulating the nerves along the neck into the chest, resulting in bronchial constriction and breathing problems.

Another common cause of acid reflux is the consumption of alcohol. It has been noted that patients who quit alcohol or significantly reduce their consumption have experienced improved symptoms as well.