According to recent reports nearly 20% of the American have heartburn on a weekly basis. It's not uncommon for them to grab over-the-counter products like Tums but according to the doctors it may not be enough.

You may have heartburn, indigestion, even chest pain; a host of symptoms caused by GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, a backup of acid from the stomach.

“Every day when we eat the food goes down the food tube, then there is a high pressure door called the lower esophagus sphincters. It has to open, the food goes thru, enters the stomach and then acid mixes with food and the food is broken up and heads south. Normally that little door closes when the food goes through, but it also may open the acid goes back up into the food tube,” said Dr. Arthur Ostrov, Gastroenterologist.

When acid hits the esophagus, it responds with painful symptoms.

"It may be larengistus, as the acid goes farther up, it may be cough, as the acid penetrates the back of the throat, it may an exacerbation of asthma,” said Ostrov.

Sometimes the acid causes ulcers and more serious side effects that require immediate attention.

"Trouble swallowing, vomiting, passing blood, weight loss, filling up quickly when you eat,” said Ostrov.

Lifestyle changes can go a long way in reducing symptoms like exercising and keeping your weight under control, but what you eat is just as important.

Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine and smoking. Obesity makes things worse. Medications help reduce symptoms. For patients who suffer severe pain, a scope may be needed.

"An endoscopy is an examination with a light, a tube and instruments to see what the food tube and the stomach looks like and this is done with sedations and done in a setting where the patient is observed and watched,” said Ostrov.