GERD Esophagus Damage May Not Be Linked To Stomach Acid

A new study may give doctors and scientists a better understanding of how acid reflux triggers the development of reflux esophagitis—an esophagus injury related to GERD.

It was believed that stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus would burn and damage the lining. However, research has found that stomach acid does not have a direct effect on the cells in the lining.

Researchers found that the presence of acid reflux caused chemicals known as cytokines to be released. Cytokines caused inflammatory immune cells to appear in the esophagus and damaged the lining. Although stomach acid seems to be responsible for starting the chain reaction that causes esophagus damage, the change is attributed directly to the inflammatory immune cells.

As a result of this research, scientists may look for alternative treatment options for GERD patients. Current standards involve medications designed to reduce the production of stomach acid. However, medications may be developed that would target the body’s response to cytokines in order to reduce their presence in the esophagus.