New study may lead to different treatments for GERD
Findings from a new study on the causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may lead to new way of treating the condition. According to a team of researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, GERD, which causes painful chest pain and heartburn, may be caused by immune system cells causing inflammation. The study showed that gastroesophageal reflux in rats causes tissue in the esophagus to release immune chemicals called cytokines. Those cytokines attract inflammatory cells that cause the uncomfortable symptoms associated with heartburn and GERD.