Does the duration of heartburn vary with different age groups?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Heartburn symptoms often vary by age. In children and teenagers, heartburn tends to last longer and may persist into adulthood, while adults may experience it differently based on lifestyle, diet, and underlying health conditions. Recognizing these age-related differences is key to managing symptoms early and preventing long-term complications.

If you're experiencing heartburn and aren't sure what's causing it or how serious it might be, the smartest next step is understanding your symptoms clearly. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes, assess urgency, and decide whether to see a doctor—all in just a few minutes. Don't guess when clarity is one click away.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what's causing your heartburn See if heartburn needs urgent care Discover if your heartburn is something serious Find OTC heartburn relief options Find a doctor for heartburn Explore medically valid heartburn home remedies Understand what long-lasting heartburn could mean

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Explanation

Heartburn and Age Groups

Heartburn, a burning feeling in the chest, can be different for people depending on their age. Here's how it can change:

Children and Teenagers:

Longer Duration: Kids and teens can have heartburn that lasts longer than adults. This is often because of a condition called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Growing Up with GERD: If a child has GERD, they might still have it as a teenager. This means they might have heartburn for a long time as they grow up.

Adults:

Varied Symptoms: Adults can also have heartburn, but it might not last as long as it does in kids. For adults, the feeling might come and go, and it can be triggered by different foods or activities.

Important Points

Symptom Awareness: It's important to know that heartburn can feel different for everyone.
Talk to a Doctor: If heartburn happens a lot or lasts a long time, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and get guidance on next steps.

Remember, heartburn is common, but the way it feels and how long it lasts can change based on how old you are.

(References)

Portale G, Peters J, Hsieh CC, Tamhankar A, Arain M, Hagen J, et al. (2007). When are reflux episodes symptomatic?. Diseases of the esophagus : official journal of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus, 17227310.
El-Serag HB, Gilger M, Carter J, Genta RM, & Rabeneck L. (2004). Childhood GERD is a risk factor for GERD in adolescents .... The American journal of gastroenterology, 15128341.
Brzana RJ, & Koch KL. (1997). Gastroesophageal reflux disease presenting with .... Annals of internal medicine, 9139556.

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