How long does acid reflux last, what are the symptoms it causes, and how can you treat it? In this article, we answer these questions.
We also explain the difference between occasional acid reflux and gastroesophageal disease (GERD) and offer guidance for when to see a doctor.
The most common acid reflux symptoms are:
In addition, some people may have:
Heartburn and acid reflux symptoms can vary from person to person. Furthermore, there ’s also significant overlap with other conditions.
For example, the chest pain in heartburn can resemble chest pain caused by heart disease. Indigestion can also cause heartburn, along with bloating and nausea, so it’s easy to confuse the two. A chronic cough resulting from GERD can also be caused by a lung condition.
This is why, if your symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes or medication, it’s important to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. An early diagnosis and treatment are key for preventing GERD complications.
An episode of acid reflux can last anywhere between a few minutes to several hours. How long an episode lasts can depend on various factors, from how severe the condition is to individual differences.
We might all get acid reflux and heartburn from time to time, and usually, it’s nothing to worry about. But, if you get acid reflux 3 times a week or more, or if it disrupts your daily life then this may signal a chronic condition called gastroesophageal disease (GERD).
There are different stages of GERD. Some experts stage it based on the frequency of flare-ups, into:
The causes behind acid reflux and GERD are complex.Sometimes, acid reflux can be caused by too much pressure from the stomach after a meal, either because you've eaten too much, or because the stomach doesn’t empty as it normally should. Issues with the muscle movement that typically helps food along your gastrointestinal tract after a meal can also contribute to acid reflux.
Other times, acid reflux occurs because a muscle inside your tummy doesn’t work as it should. The muscle is called the lower oesophageal sphincter, or LOS for short. It’s shaped like a ring that contracts or closes up after you eat to keep stomach acid and food contents down. When it relaxes too much, it doesn’t close up properly, so stomach acid and food contents escape, travelling back up towards your throat.
Several factors can influence how well the LOS works. For example, diet and lifestyle habits like eating very large, infrequent meals, smoking, or being overweight can all cause the LOS to loosen up. Increased pressure on the abdomen, for example, due to pregnancy or obesity, can also impact the LOS and cause reflux.
In more severe cases, what’s causing acid reflux symptoms is another underlying condition, like a hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach pushes up into your chest. A hiatal hernia doesn’t necessarily cause any symptoms, but sometimes, it can affect the LOS muscle, causing acid reflux. See your doctor if you think you have a hiatal hernia and your symptoms have not improved after a couple of weeks, are severe, or are getting worse.
Finally, some people find that certain foods, like spicy foods or fatty foods, trigger their GERD symptoms because they affect the LOS.
Foods and drinks that can over-relax the LES and therefore cause acid reflux symptoms include:
Lifestyle factors that can trigger or raise your risk of acid reflux include:
When it comes to heartburn, different people may have different triggers. The best way to manage your diet-induced symptoms is to keep an eye on what you eat and log it in a food diary.
Some simple lifestyle changes can offer some relief for acid reflux and heartburn. Try these tips to feel better:
Over-the-counter medications such as antacids and alginates can provide relief for acid reflux and heartburn.
Alginates contain alginic acid, which is made from seaweed. The alginic acid comes into contact with stomach acid, forming a “raft-like” layer that covers and keeps the stomach contents down. This prevents acid from refluxing and protects the lining of your oesophagus.
Antacids also offer relief for acid reflux.
If your symptoms don’t go away with antacids or alginates, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) instead.
A few acid reflux remedies are completely natural and can provide some relief. Some may be lying around the house or in your kitchen cupboard. Natural remedies for acid reflux include:
See your doctor if you experience heartburn and acid reflux symptoms 3 or more times a week or if your symptoms have not responded to lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medication.
You should also seek medical care if you have trouble swallowing, food gets stuck in your throat, you often feel sick, or have lost weight without wanting to.
If untreated, GERD can lead to complications, such as:
However, these complications can be prevented with a timely diagnosis and early treatment.
In this article, we’ve seen that acid reflux can last anywhere between minutes to several hours. We’ve also explored the mechanisms, causes and triggers behind this symptom, and the differences between acid reflux and the chronic condition called GERD.
To learn more, explore our articles: Can reflux acid cause my throat to burn? Remedies for acid reflux, and What medication can I take for GERD?
Explore our range of over-the-counter treatments for acid reflux, including Gaviscon and Guardium.
See a doctor if you’ve tried such treatments and they haven’t worked, if your symptoms persist, or if you have more severe symptoms like difficulty swallowing or unintentional weight loss.
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Are you experiencing a persistent burning throat? Uncover the underlying causes and explore effective remedies to alleviate your symptoms.
Find the best foods to eat or avoid when suffering from acid reflux and see how your diet plays a key role. Delve into a list of recommended foods to eat and make note of those to steer clear of as some specific foods can trigger or worsen your symptoms.
There are various effective acid reflux treatment options available to help alleviate and manage symptoms. This guide explores treating acid reflux, from dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes to potential medications.
If you’re experiencing acid reflux and heartburn, you may be interested in reflux treatments that work effectively and provide relief.
This article covers natural acid reflux remedies as well as over-the-counter treatments that provide relief.
Read on to learn about some remedies for acid reflux, how to take them, precautions, and when to see a doctor.
Acid reflux, sore throat, and a burning sensation in your chest — if you have these symptoms, you may wonder what’s causing them and how to treat them.
In this article, we explain why stomach acid in your throat can cause a burning sensation, the connection between acid reflux and sore throat, and how to treat these symptoms.
We also review the symptoms of acid reflux and gastroesophageal disease (GERD), their causes and triggers, and the complications that may follow if acid reflux or GERD are not treated.
