Acid reflux affects millions of people every year. In Houston, we see many patients at Gastrodoxs.com seeking relief. This condition happens when stomach acid moves up into the esophagus. It can cause discomfort, pain, and other symptoms. Understanding the early signs helps you act quickly. As Dr. Bharat Pothuriy lets you manage it well.”
In this post, we’ll cover 6 common signs of acid reflux. We also share diet tips, a comparison table for over the counter acid reflux medicine, and advice on when to see a doctor. We include answers to questions like “can you die from acid reflux in your sleep” and “how long does heartburn last.” Our tone is friendly, simple, and easy to read. Let’s get started!
What is heartburn? It’s a burning feeling in the chest or throat. Many people ask, “how long does heartburn last?” For mild cases, it often lasts 30 minutes to a few hours. If you get heartburn more than twice a week, you might have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Dr. Bharat Pothuri explains, “Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux. It can feel like a hot coal in your chest.”
Regurgitation is when stomach acid or food comes back into your throat or mouth. It can taste sour and leave a bad aftertaste. You might wake up with this sensation if you sleep flat on your back.
A constant cough can be a hidden sign. Acid in the throat irritates the airways, leading to a dry, persistent cough. This symptom often shows up at night.
Yes. Acid reflux can trigger asthma-like symptoms. The acid irritates the airways and lungs.
Patients may feel tightness in their chest or struggle to take a full breath. In Houston, we’ve seen many cases where reflux was mistaken for asthma.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri warns, “If you experience sudden shortness of breath with chest discomfort, seek medical help right away. It could be more than reflux.”
Acid can injure the vocal cords. This leads to hoarseness, a scratchy throat, or constant throat clearing. You might notice your voice sounds deeper or strained.
When acid damages the esophagus over time, scar tissue can form. This narrows the esophagus and makes swallowing hard. Foods might feel stuck in your chest.
“Dysphagia can signal severe reflux or even a more serious condition,” notes Dr. Bharat Pothuri. “Don’t ignore trouble swallowing.”
Although acid reflux seems linked to too much acid, some people have low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria). This can cause bloating, gas, and indigestion. It also slows digestion, making reflux worse.
If you suspect low stomach acid symptoms, talk to your Houston gastroenterologist at Gastrodoxs.com.
Lifestyle changes are powerful. They can prevent symptoms or reduce their intensity. Here are simple steps you can take today:
| Medicine | Type | Typical Dose | Onset of Relief |
| Tums | Antacid | 2–4 tablets | 2–5 minutes |
| Rolaids | Antacid | 2–4 tablets | 3–10 minutes |
| Pepcid AC | H2 Blocker | 10–20 mg | 30–45 minutes |
| Zantac 360° | H2 Blocker | 75 mg | 30–60 minutes |
| Prilosec OTC | PPI | 20 mg | 2–3 hours (peak at 4 hrs) |
Many over the counter options help ease symptoms. Always follow label directions. If you take these meds for more than two weeks, consult your doctor.
Certain foods relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or increase acid. Avoid these to reduce “how long does acid reflux last” and prevent new attacks.
Choose gentle, low-acid options to calm your stomach.
This is a scary question many people ask. While rare, severe reflux can lead to complications like aspiration pneumonia. This happens if acid or food enters the lungs. Most cases won’t be life-threatening, but chronic reflux can damage your esophagus and lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri stresses, “If you wake up choking, gasping, or with chest pain, call 911. Better safe than sorry.”
Acid reflux episodes may last from a few minutes to several hours. Occasional heartburn often goes away with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter acid reflux medicine. Chronic GERD needs medical care. Without treatment, it can last years and lead to complications.
Seek help if you experience:
Our Houston-based team at Gastrodoxs.com can guide you to relief. Early care stops acid reflux from worsening.
Acid reflux is common but manageable. Recognize the six signs—heartburn, regurgitation, cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and dysphagia. Make simple diet and lifestyle changes. Use over the counter acid reflux medicine wisely. For long-term relief or severe cases, visit Gastrodoxs.com in Houston. With the right care, you can reduce symptoms and enjoy meals again.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Severe reflux can cause aspiration pneumonia, but death is rare. Seek immediate help if you choke or gasp.
Heartburn may last 30 minutes to a few hours. If it persists, try antacids and lifestyle changes.
Avoid citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, mint, spicy foods, fatty and fried items, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.
Antacids (Tums), H2 blockers (Pepcid AC), and proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec OTC) all help. Choose based on symptom severity.
Citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, mint, onions, garlic, spicy foods, fried foods, coffee, alcohol, and soda top the list.
Water, herbal teas (chamomile, ginger), coconut water, and aloe vera juice can soothe your stomach.
Bloating, gas, indigestion, and feeling full quickly may signal low stomach acid.
They relieve short-term symptoms but consult your doctor if you use them over two weeks.
Yes. Acid can irritate airways and mimic asthma, leading to breathing difficulties.
Yes. Some patients have “silent reflux” with breathing issues but no heartburn.
