Thursday, November 19, 2009

Reflux esophagitis due to immune reaction, not acute acid burn

In an interesting study scientists have found that GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux, occurs not as a result of stomach acid burning the esophagus, but by a different mechanism. GERD spurs the release of cytokines which in turn attract inflammatory cells. Heartburn and chest pain are the typical symptoms.

What is not addressed is why there is GERD in the first place. Reflux can only occur due to a weak gastroesophageal sphincter. This is the muscle the closes off the stomach contents to the esophagus once food has entered. The gastroesophageal sphincter, like the whole body, is under control of the nervous system. If the nerve supply to the sphincter is impaired then the function of the sphincter will be impaired and acid can escape the stomach and go back up to the esophagus, triggering the release of inflammatory cytokines.

Chiropractic addresses this problem by going to the source, to the nerves that control the sphincters.

Reflux esophagitis due to immune reaction, not acute acid burn

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