An Overview of Smoking and Heartburn
People who smoke are more likely to cough, which puts pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. Also, cigarettes have been shown to weaken the lower esophageal sphincter. Both of these effects on the sphincter can cause it to open more often and increase acid reflux.
Tobacco products also:
- Cause your body to make less saliva, which you need to help neutralize the stomach juices in your esophagus
- Cause your body to make more stomach juices.
Simply put, using tobacco products can make it more likely for you to develop
heartburn. If you already have heartburn, smoking can make your symptoms worse.
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