How can I tell if my heartburn is lasting longer than normal?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Heartburn typically lasts a few minutes to several hours, but it can persist longer if symptoms occur frequently or if specific triggers worsen the condition. Common culprits include chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, fatty meals, and citrus. Persistent heartburn — occurring more than twice a week — may indicate GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and warrants closer attention.

Because prolonged heartburn can overlap with more serious conditions like ulcers, hiatal hernia, or even cardiac issues, understanding your specific symptoms is key. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes based on your unique profile and guide you on the right next steps — whether that's adjusting your diet, trying an over-the-counter remedy, or seeing a doctor. It only takes a few minutes and could save you weeks of uncertainty.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

Understanding Heartburn Duration

Heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest that can last a little while after eating. It's normal for it to happen sometimes, but if you feel it a lot, it might be lasting longer than usual.

Foods and Drinks That Can Make It Worse

Onions: Eating raw onions can make heartburn worse. If you notice heartburn after eating them, this might be why.
White Wine: Drinking white wine can also cause heartburn. If you get heartburn after drinking it, this could be a clue.

When to Pay Attention

If heartburn happens often or feels worse after certain foods or drinks, it might be more than just normal heartburn.
Keeping track of what you eat and drink can help you see if these things make your heartburn last longer. To better understand what's causing your symptoms, try our free symptom checker for personalized insights.

(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.
Allen ML, Mellow MH, Robinson MG, & Orr WC. (1990). The effect of raw onions on acid reflux and reflux symptoms. The American journal of gastroenterology, 2327378.
Pehl C, Frommherz M, Wendl B, & Pfeiffer A. (2002). Gastroesophageal reflux induced by white wine. The American journal of gastroenterology, 11922547.

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