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One such cause of GERD is a hiatal (or hiatus) hernia. This is an anatomical abnormality where a hole in the diaphragm allows the upper part of the stomach to enter the chest cavity, sometimes leading to GERD. Pregnancy is also sometimes a cause of acid reflux due to extra pressure being placed on the internal organs.
In general, certain medications contribute to GERD by: 1  Weakening the esophageal sphincter. 2  Some medicine makes acid reflux more likely by weakening the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that connects the esophagus and the stomach.3  This allows acid to backflow into the esophagus. Other medications worsen GERD symptoms by exacerbating existing inflammation in the esophagus that has been caused by acid reflux. 2  Slowing digestion. 3  Some medications slow down the body's digestive system, allowing food to collect in the stomach and causing an increase in gastric acid production.