Second, you can have a weak diaphragm . The diaphragm is a muscle that helps the stomach and sphincter muscle keep food in the stomach. A weak diaphragm could allow the stomach to poke through the diaphragm and get pinched. This is called a hiatal hernia . When this occurs, stomach contents and acid can get pushed back up into the esophagus, in some people certain foods can worsen heartburn such as chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods, alcoholic beverages, and possibly coffee.
Cigarette smoking can weaken the esophageal sphincter muscle.
Certain medications can worsen heartburn. Talk with your doctor about your medications. If you don't treat GERD, the stomach acid can lead to esophagitis , which is an irritation of the lower esophagus. Left long enough, this can cause bleeding , ulcers or permanent scarring . In some cases this can increase the chances of cancer in that area.