Is Acid Reflux Genetic?
Yes, there are studies that show that there is indeed a link between acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and genetics .
Medical Studies
The Gastroentorology Journal published in January of 2002 a study conducted in Sweden, that shows a clear relation between genetics and acid reflux. The study surveyed a large population of 8,401 pairs of twins aged 55 and above who were experiencing the common symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux; particularly pain behind the breastbone and the regurgitation of acid into the mouth .
The survey revealed in 14% of the females and 13% of the males of the fraternal twins, both siblings within the twin pairs were afflicted with acid reflux. Meanwhile, 33% of the females and 29% of the males of the identical twins, both siblings within the twin pairs were afflicted with acid reflux. The study also found that among the causes of acid reflux, 31% of the cases of acid reflux were caused by genetics.
Meanwhile, another study conducted in England published on July 2002 in the journal Gut, likewise surveyed around 2,000 sets of identical and fraternal twins to determine if they were experiencing any symptoms of acid reflux disease and if they also possessed any of risk factors for the said diseases . According to this study, 43% of the cases of acid reflux in the population were caused by genetics.
The same study also concluded that individuals with genetic vulnerability are 1.5 times more likely to be at risk for acid reflux than those individuals who were not genetically vulnerable to the said disease.
These studies therefore support the theory that individuals who are afflicted with acid reflux are likely to have either inherited this condition or share this trait with family members.
Why Are These Findings Important?
Knowing that acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be caused by genetics is important because acid reflux should not be underestimated just because it is a common and seemingly harmless disease. Statistics show that individuals with chronic acid.
MedicineNet"Is Heartburn Inherited"http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=19753
MedicineNet"Gut Feeling: Heartburn May Be Genetic"http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=19753
"Is Acid Reflux Genetic?." Sophisticated Edge. N.p., n.d. Web. . <http://www.sophisticatededge.com/is-acid-reflux-genetic.html>.
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