If so, you may suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease; better known as reflux, or GERD. You are not alone -- more 40 percent of Americans have such symptoms.

These symptoms occur because acid in the stomach, which functions to digest foods, comes up into the esophagus, the "tube" that connects the mouth to the stomach, causing irritation or symptoms. If things get bad enough, the inner lining of the esophagus can actually get eaten off by this acid, a condition known as esophagitis.

Patients with chronic reflux are frequently seen by specialists, called gastroenterologists. There are multiple treatment options, which are tailored to the patient's needs.

The first thing the doctor might do is ask you to change the way you live. Lifestyle modifications can be important in the treatment of reflux symptoms. Examples include avoiding certain foods, such as spicy foods, fatty foods, tomato products, chocolate and caffeine; losing excess weight; smoking cessation; limiting alcohol consumption; and elevating the head of the bed while sleeping. For some patients, these changes will be all that is necessary to get them feeling better.

For people who cannot be made better by changing their health habits, medications may be used to limit acid exposure or decrease the potency of acid. These medicines include over-the-counter medications such as Tagamet HB, and Zantac 75 and Pepcid AC, as well as stronger prescription medications such as Nexium, Prevacid, Aciphex, and Protonix. To work, these medications need to be taken at the right times and in the right dosages, so it is important to talk with your health care provider and make sure you are using them correctly.

If both lifestyle modifications and medical therapy do not give adequate relief, there is a surgical anti-reflux procedure that may be considered. Although this surgery is not for everyone, it is highly effective at decreasing the amount of acid that gets into the chest.

Many patients undergo an upper endoscopy if they have reflux. In this procedure, a tube with a light and camera on the end is swallowed by the patient, allowing the doctor to see the inside lining of the esophagus. The doctor is looking to see if there is any damage from the acid. If this sounds uncomfortable, don't worry -- patients are sedated for this procedure.

In addition to inflammation from the acid, the upper endoscopy can also diagnose a condition called Barrett's Esophagus. We look for this condition because it is a change in the lining of the esophagus that can occasionally progress to cancer. If we find it, we may suggest repeated endoscopies to monitor the condition. For patients in whom the condition progresses, treatments are available to prevent the development of cancer.

If you're concerned about persistent reflux symptoms that are not well controlled, ask your primary care doctor if it is time for you to see a gastroenterologist. Appropriate treatment of this condition can both improve your symptoms as well as identify any worrisome changes in your esophagus. With fewer symptoms and peace of mind, you'll sleep better at night.