People at risk

• People who have a hiatal hernia (see above).
• Pregnant women, during the last months of pregnancy. As the fetus exerts additional pressure on the stomach, the reflux is only temporary in this case.
• Obese or overweight people
• People aged 50 and over. With age, some people have a less efficient esophageal sphincter, which can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• People with scleroderma.
• People practicing running or divers often have reflux during exertion

Risk factors

Smoking (cigarette, cigar, pipe) increases the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease². Quitting smoking, along with other healthy lifestyle measures, can help alleviate symptoms.