Acid reflux, which is also known as gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when digestive acid flows from the stomach back into the esophagus. This condition can lead to uncomfortable or even painful symptoms, the most common being heartburn. Because it’s often so unpleasant, many people wonder, “How long does acid reflux last?” Understanding the length of most acid reflux episodes is important when it comes to managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for those affected.
What is Acid Reflux and How Long Does It Last?
Acid reflux occurs when the ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), doesn’t close as it should. This improper closure allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. During an acid reflux episode, it’s common to experience symptoms like:
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest or throat
- Regurgitation: Vomiting up burning, bitter stomach acid into the throat or mouth
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
- Chest Pain: Sensations that range from mild discomfort to intense pain
- Chronic Cough: Persistent coughing that isn’t linked to respiratory issues
The duration of acid reflux episodes can vary significantly, depending on several factors. For example, the severity of the condition can influence whether an episode lasts only a couple of minutes or several hours. Diet and lifestyle choices can also trigger longer acid reflux episodes. Eating spicy or acidic foods, drinking caffeine or alcohol, or smoking cigarettes can all result in longer, more painful bouts of acid reflux.
In addition, symptoms may persist or worsen at night when a person is lying down. Chronic health conditions like hiatal hernias and obesity can also exacerbate a person’s symptoms.
Finally, the frequency of acid reflux episodes and whether a person experiences acute or chronic acid reflux can play a role in how long this condition lasts. Those who experience acid reflux more often tend to have longer-lasting episodes. Acute or occasional incidents tend to resolve within a few hours to a day, while chronic acid reflux can cause episodes to keep recurring for weeks or even months.
Will Acid Reflux Go Away by Itself?
Acid reflux can be a complicated disorder to predict, but much of the time, occasional episodes will resolve on their own. For example, when acid reflux is triggered by specific foods or particularly large meals, waiting the episode out and avoiding those triggers in the future may prevent future episodes from occurring. Taking an over-the-counter antacid may also help relieve symptoms sooner rather than later.
However, there is no guarantee that acid reflux will go away. If an individual lives with frequent bouts of acid reflux or even GERD (a severe form of chronic acid reflux), he or she may not be able to overcome the condition without medical intervention. Chronic acid reflux is defined as episodes that occur at least twice a week for several weeks, despite an individual making health-conscious choices to manage their symptoms.
When acid reflux keeps returning, long-term management and medical treatment may be necessary to prevent complications from developing. Without proper care, chronic acid reflux or GERD can lead to more significant issues, such as esophagitis, Barrett’s Esophagus, and even esophageal cancer.
What If My Acid Reflux is Not Going Away?
For individuals struggling with frequent bouts of acid reflux, there are a few at-home management techniques worth trying for relief. If you regularly consume large, spicy or fatty meals, try reducing portion sizes and avoid foods that commonly trigger acid reflux. It’s also a good idea to avoid lying or bending down right after eating. Stay upright as much as possible for 2-3 hours after a meal. Elevating the head of one’s bed with pillows may also be an option if acid reflux is persistent at night.
Being overweight or obese may also worsen acid reflux, as excess weight places pressure on the abdomen and may force stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Losing weight can help reduce the frequency and duration of acid reflux episodes.
High stress levels can also worsen acid reflux, so for individuals who live stressful lives, practicing stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises may help in managing symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While occasional acid reflux is common and usually manageable, chronic symptoms may point to a more serious health condition. When the following symptoms have become troublesome, it’s important to seek help from a medical professional:
- Symptoms that occur at least twice a week
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Severe chest pain or pressure
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
An experienced doctor can diagnose acid reflux, determine the underlying causes of the condition, and recommend appropriate treatment options. In some cases, lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications may be enough to reduce the severity or frequency of acid reflux episodes. In more severe cases, prescription medications or surgical interventions may be necessary.
How Long Does Acid Reflux Last, Usually?
Acid reflux can be a different experience for each person affected, so it’s difficult to answer how long acid reflux lasts directly. In mild cases, acid reflux duration can vary from several minutes to a day. The duration, frequency, and severity of these episodes are usually influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions. While occasional acid reflux episodes can often be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications, chronic or severe bouts of this condition may require medical attention.
By understanding the factors that influence acid reflux and adopting healthy strategies, it may be possible to effectively manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Remember, if you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical advice to rule out any serious underlying conditions and receive appropriate treatment. Reach out to Arizona Premier Surgery for an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan. We’re here to help!
SOURCES
https://arizonapremiersurgery.com/2024/01/17/top-gerd-friendly-snacks-to-try/
https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/what-is-acid-reflux-disease
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9617-heartburn-overview
https://healthmatters.nyp.org/understanding-acid-reflux-and-gerd/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/9-ways-to-relieve-acid-reflux-without-medication
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/emergency-acid-reflux-symptoms
