Neel Nirjon

Acid reflux disease may be a misnomer, according to a new study.

Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on Tuesday suggests that in acid reflux (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD), acid is not the direct cause of damage to the esophagus. Rather, the damage occurs due to a secretion of proteins called cytokines that produce an inflammatory response in the esophagus.

This finding has the potential to overturn the collective scientific wisdom of over 80 years, which has held that GERD is caused by stomach acid backing up through the esophagus.

GERD affects 20 percent of adult Americans and can, in severe cases lead to bleeding ulcers in the esophagus. It can also be associated with a condition called Barrett's esophagus which can lead to esophageal cancer, according to a press release.

"Although this radical change in the concept of how acid reflux damages the esophagus of GERD patients will not change our approach to its treatment with acid-suppressing medications in the near future, it could have substantial long-term implications," senior author Dr. Stuart Spechler explained in the release.

"We think that it is important for physicians to have an accurate understanding of the mechanisms underlying the diseases that we treat, especially one as common as GERD."