Food allergies may be responsible for some cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children. Smoking and Alcohol Alcohol relaxes the LES muscles and also may irritate the mucous membrane of the esophagus. On the other hand, some studies have shown that small amounts of alcohol may actually protect the mucosal layer. Smoking can also reduce muscle function, increase acid secretion, reduce prostaglandins and bicarbonate production, and decrease mucosal blood flow. Calcium channel blockers and anti-cholinergics also weaken the peristaltic action of the esophagus and slow stomach emptying.
Antibiotics can also effect the mucous membrane, making it more vulnerable to acids.
However, such symptoms did not become evident until after about six months of regular use. If the mucous membrane is impaired, even a normal amount of acid can harm the esophagus. Pressure on the abdomen caused by factors such as obesity or tight clothing can contribute to acid-backing up into the esophagus. It is estimated that 60 million Americans have heartburn or other symptoms of GERD at least once a month, and 25 million experience them on a daily basis. Interestingly, a random survey of 2,000 Americans who reported having heartburn at least once in the last 6 months indicated that most didn't know the risk factors for it, and when they were told most made no behavior or lifestyle changes to avoid or prevent heartburn.