How Long Does Acid Reflux Last?
Most people experience heartburn at some point. Common symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux are burning in the throat or chest. If you’re one of the 60 million Americans who have acid reflux, you might be wondering, “How long does acid reflux last”?
So keep reading to understand how long GERD can last — as well as related heartburn symptoms — and what factors go into that time timeline.
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux, characterized by a burning sensation in the chest and throat. This discomfort occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation. Heartburn symptoms can vary in intensity, ranging from mild to severe. In addition to the burning sensation, you might experience regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, coughing, and even wheezing. These symptoms can be particularly bothersome and may interfere with daily activities, making it essential to understand and manage them effectively.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
One of the most important steps in answering “How long can acid reflux last?” is knowing the causes. Acid reflux, heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), are related and common conditions. Regurgitation, hoarse voice, chronic heartburn, pain, and trouble swallowing food are all symptoms. It’s caused because of a valve malfunction where your stomach meets your esophagus.
Many times, GERD or acid reflux is caused because of a high hiatal hernia. Around 10% of bariatric patients have some kind of reflux symptoms that were overlooked during their initial bariatric surgery. Sometimes, it can even develop after weight loss. This is because of the displacement of your stomach.
Some foods can also cause heartburn if they are high in acid, like nightshades and coffee. Certain lifestyle choices and conditions, such as pregnancy, can make heartburn worse, indicating a need for medical attention.
Read More: What Foods to Eat to Help Heartburn
How Long Does Acid Reflux Last?
Because of the similarities of these conditions, the title of this section may as well include the following as well:
- How long does heartburn last?
- How long does GERD last?
So, without further ado, let’s answer all of them right now:
Heartburn symptoms can last around 2-4 hours until the food leaves your stomach and goes into your small intestine. Mild heartburn, often triggered by certain foods, can typically be managed with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. Even after that point, you can have symptoms return later on. This could go on and repeat for days or weeks if left untreated.
Occasional heartburn is common, and usually not serious, but persistent symptoms should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. In short, how long can heartburn last? — Forever unless you have quality guidance from doctors who specialize in GERD Reflux in Baltimore.
How To Reduce GERD And Heartburn Symptoms
The first thing you can do is avoid foods that trigger GERD, acid reflux, or heartburn. This includes chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated soda, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and other acidic foods.
Medications
Your doctor can prescribe you medications that reduce GERD or heartburn symptoms. There are several antacids that can help alleviate symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes for Heartburn Relief
Making lifestyle changes can significantly alleviate heartburn symptoms and reduce the frequency of acid reflux episodes. Here are some effective strategies to consider:
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Certain foods are known to trigger heartburn symptoms. These include citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy foods, and fatty or fried foods. Keeping a food diary can help you identify which foods are problematic for you and avoid them.
- Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Consuming smaller meals can help reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), preventing stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus. This can help reduce heartburn symptoms.
- Lose Weight: Excess weight can put additional pressure on the stomach, causing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Losing weight can help alleviate heartburn symptoms and improve overall health.
- Avoid Lying Down After Eating: Lying down immediately after eating can cause stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn symptoms. Waiting at least 2-3 hours after eating before lying down can help prevent this.
- Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate heartburn symptoms. Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help alleviate heartburn symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can weaken the LES, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Quitting smoking can help alleviate heartburn symptoms and improve overall health.
By making these lifestyle changes, you can help reduce heartburn symptoms and alleviate acid reflux episodes. However, if you experience frequent or severe heartburn symptoms, it’s essential to consult with your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions that may require medical attention.
See A Doctor
A bariatric surgeon can help you treat your GERD or heartburn with medical procedures. A doctor can also provide guidance on how to treat occasional heartburn with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.
Surgical Treatment of GERD
If you have not had previous bariatric surgery, your BMI is < 35, and your GERD is severe, the gold standard treatment is laparoscopic fundoplication with hiatal hernia repair. This procedure can also be done laparoscopically or endoscopically with the Esophyx procedure. A hybrid approach, using both laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques, may also be an option. Patients with severe GERD may experience symptoms like a sour taste in the mouth, which can be alleviated through surgical procedures.
If you have severe GERD and your BMI is >35, the best surgery is gastric bypass with simultaneous hiatal hernia repair. This procedure can help to reduce your weight and improve your GERD symptoms.
Severe GERD after sleeve gastrectomy can be treated by converting the sleeve to a gastric bypass. This procedure can help improve your GERD symptoms and may also help you lose weight.
Conclusion
By pursuing the right treatment plan, whether through surgery, medication, or lifestyle adjustments, you can effectively manage acid reflux and prevent it from lingering for hours on end. This proactive approach ensures you won’t need to wonder, “How long can acid reflux last?” ever again.
The expert bariatric surgeons at Ascension Saint Agnes Bariatric Surgery are dedicated to helping you explore your options for relief. They are committed to supporting your weight loss journey while enhancing your quality of life by minimizing heartburn symptoms. Contact us today to discover how we can help you achieve lasting relief and a healthier lifestyle.