Which one of the following is NOT a common cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

In the context of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the underlying mechanisms typically involve factors that contribute to the backflow of gastric contents into the esophagus. Impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and decreased motility in the esophagus are well-established contributors to GERD. These two factors can lead to increased pressure and dysfunction at the junction between the esophagus and stomach, facilitating reflux.

A hiatal hernia is another common anatomical abnormality that can predispose individuals to GERD. It occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, which can compromise the LES's ability to close properly, thereby promoting the reflux of gastric contents.

In contrast, increased gastric emptying generally reduces the volume of stomach contents available to reflux into the esophagus. When gastric emptying is accelerated, the likelihood of reflux diminishes since there is less pressure buildup and volume within the stomach that can push contents retrograde into the esophagus. Therefore, increased gastric emptying is not a common cause of GERD, making it the correct selection for what does not typically contribute to the condition.

Thus, understanding the dynamics of LES function and esophageal motility is crucial in comprehending the et