As of now, gastro esophageal reflux disease or acid reflux is thought to occur due to the damage done to the esophagus by gastric acids that move upwards from the stomach. However, the latest research conducted done at the Utah Southwestern Medical Center shows that this may not be the case.

The study points to the fact that cytokines, which are immune system cells that cause inflammation, may be playing a big role in damaging the esophagus and resulting in heartburn.

Dr. Rhonda Souza, who lead the research, has said that these findings may change the way conventional acid reflux treatment is done. At present, acid reflux patients are given drugs that prevent the production of gastric acids in the stomach. However, if acid reflux is an immune-mediated injury as these studies show, then it will be better to create drugs that prevent cytokines from attracting inflammatory cells to the esophagus.