How Long Does Acid Reflux Last?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation known as heartburn. According to the Montreal Definition and Classification of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), acid reflux becomes GERD when it causes troublesome symptoms or complications. Understanding how long an episode lasts—and what makes it stick around—can help you manage discomfort and know when to seek medical help.

Typical Duration of an Acid Reflux Episode

Most people with mild, occasional acid reflux find that:

• Symptoms begin within 30–60 minutes after eating a trigger meal (e.g., fatty, spicy, or acidic foods).
• Heartburn can last anywhere from 30 minutes up to 2 hours in most cases.
• Over-the-counter antacids often provide relief within 5–10 minutes, but their effect may wear off in 1–3 hours.

Key factors influencing episode length:

• Meal size and composition: Large or high–fat meals delay gastric emptying, prolonging reflux.
• Body position: Lying down or bending forward soon after eating encourages acid to move upward.
• Individual sensitivity: Some people experience brief discomfort; others endure longer, more painful episodes.

Acute Versus Chronic Acid Reflux

1. Occasional (Acute) Reflux

   • Occurs less than twice a week.
   • Often triggered by specific foods, stress or lifestyle factors.
   • Typically resolves within a few hours or less with simple measures.

2. Chronic Reflux (GERD)

   • Defined by symptoms at least once a week over several weeks or months (Dent et al., 2005).
   • May last months to years if untreated or poorly managed.
   • Associated complications include esophagitis, strictures or Barrett’s esophagus.

Modern diagnostic criteria (Gyawali & Kahrilas, 2018) emphasize objective testing (endoscopy, pH monitoring) in persistent or complicated cases, but many people manage mild GERD at home.

How Lifestyle Changes Can Shorten Episodes

Making simple adjustments can reduce both the frequency and duration of reflux:

• Meal habits
– Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions.
– Avoid eating within 2–3 hours of bedtime to minimize nighttime reflux.

• Food and drink to limit or avoid
– Spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomato-based sauces
– High-fat or fried foods
– Chocolate, peppermint, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages

• Body positioning
– Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after eating.
– Elevate the head of your bed by 6–8 inches to prevent nighttime reflux.

• Weight management
– Excess abdominal weight increases pressure on the stomach.
– Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce symptoms.

Medications and Their Timelines

Over-the-counter and prescription drugs differ in how quickly and how long they work:

1. Antacids

   • Onset: 5–10 minutes
   • Duration: 1–3 hours
   • Best for mild, short-lived heartburn

2. H₂ Receptor Blockers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine)

   • Onset: 30–60 minutes
   • Duration: 6–12 hours
   • Suitable for moderate symptoms; can be taken before meals

3. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs, e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole)

   • Onset: 1–4 days for full effect, though some relief in 24 hours
   • Duration: 24–48 hours per dose
   • Recommended for frequent or severe GERD; typically used for 4–8 weeks initially

4. Prokinetics (e.g., metoclopramide)

   • Onset: 30–60 minutes
   • Duration: 2–4 hours
   • Help speed gastric emptying; less commonly used due to side effects

When reflux is well controlled, episodes may become rare or last only minutes. If you find yourself increasing dosage or frequency of over-the-counter remedies, it’s time to reassess your treatment plan.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most acid reflux episodes are benign and short-lived, but certain warning signs require prompt evaluation:

• Severe chest pain, especially if it radiates to the jaw, arm or back
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or painful swallowing (odynophagia)
• Unintentional weight loss, persistent nausea or vomiting
• Coughing up blood or black, tar-like stools
• Symptoms that persist despite 2–4 weeks of over-the-counter treatment

If you experience any of these, speak to a doctor right away. These could indicate complications such as esophageal ulcers, strictures or, rarely, heart conditions.

Monitoring Your Symptoms

Keeping track of when and how long your symptoms last can help identify triggers and gauge treatment effectiveness:

• Maintain a symptom diary noting:
  • Time of day you eat and sleep
  • Foods and drinks consumed
  • Onset, duration and severity of heartburn
  • Medications taken and relief obtained

• Consider doing a free, online symptom check for to better understand your reflux pattern before visiting a healthcare provider.

Long-Term Outlook

With proper lifestyle modifications and medical management:

• Occasional reflux often resolves completely within minutes to a few hours.
• Chronic GERD can be controlled in the majority of patients, reducing both symptom frequency and duration.
• Some individuals may require long-term maintenance therapy to prevent relapse.

Untreated or poorly managed reflux may persist indefinitely, increasing the risk of esophagitis and other complications. Early recognition and intervention can shorten individual episodes and improve overall quality of life.

Key Takeaways

• Most acid reflux episodes last 30 minutes to 2 hours and respond to lifestyle changes or over-the-counter antacids.
• Chronic reflux (GERD) may cause weekly symptoms lasting months to years if untreated.
• Lifestyle adjustments—smaller meals, avoiding triggers, elevating the bed—often shorten episodes.
• Medications vary in how quickly they work and how long they last: antacids (minutes to hours), H₂ blockers (hours), PPIs (days for full effect).
• Seek prompt medical attention for severe or persistent symptoms, difficulty swallowing, or alarming signs.
• Track your symptoms and consider a free, online symptom check for to guide your next steps.

Remember, while most acid reflux is manageable at home, any serious or life-threatening symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. Always speak to a doctor about any concerns or worries you may have regarding your health.