Heartburn, caused by reflux of acid contents of the stomach into the esophagus, is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Virtually everyone has suffered occasional heartburn after an overly ambitious meal. But GERD, defined as heartburn and/or acid regurgitation, is estimated to affect between 10 percent and 20 percent of people in the United States.

Common treatments for GERD include dietary and other lifestyle measures, use of over-the-counter antacids, and several types of drugs to reduce acid secretion by the stomach.

A recently published review of 16 clinical trials of GERD treatment reached mainly discouraging conclusions about the effectiveness of standard dietary measures and lifestyle changes recommended for relieving symptoms.

First, the good news: weight loss did improve symptoms. And elevation of the head during sleep (by, for example, placing six- to eight-inch blocks under the legs of the head of the bed) is recommended for people who have symptoms during the night or who have laryngitis caused by GERD. The study revealed that elevating the head at night shortened the time acid remained in the esophagus.

Unfortunately, no benefits were observed from following the standard dietary recommendations to reduce consumption of caffeine, coffee, citrus fruits, chocolate, and high-fat meals. Nor were symptoms improved by quitting smoking or cutting down on alcohol intake.

These findings, disappointing as they are, may be helpful if they discourage people with GERD from continuing to use ineffectual measures to control their symptoms. Persistent GERD symptoms call for medications. GERD is more than just troublesome; it can lead to serious abnormalities of the esophagus, including the development of esophageal cancer.