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Help for 1 in 10 Americans who get heartburn each day

	Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning feeling that starts below your breastbone and rises into the back of your throat. ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments for heartburn that work well.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out whether medications, surgery or lifestyle changes rate best for treating heartburn.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with heartburn or GERD, you’re not alone. Consumer Reports Health is here to help with the best research about heartburn and GERD, and expert evidence and advice about how to treat it.

Key points for people with GERD

• The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. If you have heartburn at least twice a week, you probably have GERD.
• If you get heartburn several times a week, you'll probably need treatment to get better.
• Drugs called proton pump inhibitors are the best treatments for GERD.
• Drugs called H2 blockers also work but not as well as proton pump inhibitors. The advantage of H2 blockers is that you can buy them at the drugstore without a prescription.
• Surgery can help if you've had GERD for a long time and drug treatment hasn't worked.

Between one-quarter and one-third of adults in the United States will have GERD at some time in their life. Babies and children can also get GERD, although it's less common in children than in adults. Risk factors for GERD include a family history of GERD, certain foods, smoking, and slow digestion.

Treatment for GERD depends on the severity of your symptoms and may involve a change in your diet and medication, and, in some cases, surgery. We encourage you to read our entire condition report, and to consult with your doctor to learn more about heartburn and GERD. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you.