GERD has traditionally been associated with getting older, but newer research shows that younger adults are increasingly affected. A 2025 global analysis found that adults ages 25 to 34 experienced the fastest growth in GERD prevalence, with rates increasing by more than 0.3% each year.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, develops when stomach contents repeatedly flow back into the esophagus. While an occasional episode of heartburn is common, frequent reflux can become an ongoing health concern. Developing GERD at a younger age may also mean dealing with the condition and its potential effects for many years.

Recognizing persistent reflux and getting the right care early can help protect your health over the long term. Keep reading to learn why GERD is becoming more common in younger adults, how to recognize the symptoms, what can happen without treatment, and when it may be time to visit the best GERD doctor in Los Angeles.

Why Is GERD Becoming More Common in Younger Adults?

GERD can develop at any age, and several factors may contribute to its growing prevalence among younger adults. Normally, a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus helps prevent stomach contents from flowing upward. When that barrier does not function properly, stomach acid and other contents can repeatedly enter the esophagus and cause symptoms.

Some of the most common GERD risk factors include:

  • Eating habits: Large meals, eating close to bedtime, and certain foods or beverages can trigger reflux in some people.
  • Smoking and alcohol use: Both can contribute to reflux and make symptoms more frequent.
  • Excess weight: Additional pressure on the abdomen can make it easier for stomach contents to move into the esophagus.
  • Certain medications: Some medications can contribute to reflux or worsen existing symptoms.

Other causes of GERD in young adults may relate to anatomy, pregnancy, or certain health conditions, such as hiatal hernias and gastroparesis. Identifying personal triggers and contributing factors can play an important role in managing symptoms and determining when additional care may be needed.

How Do You Know If Acid Reflux Has Become GERD?

An occasional bout of acid reflux does not necessarily mean you have GERD. The condition becomes more concerning when reflux occurs regularly, causes ongoing discomfort, or begins affecting your quality of life.

Heartburn is the symptom most people associate with GERD, but reflux can show up in several ways. Common GERD symptoms in young adults include:

  • A burning sensation in the chest that often occurs after eating or when lying down
  • Regurgitation, which may leave an acidic or sour taste in your mouth
  • Trouble swallowing or discomfort in the chest or upper abdomen
  • Ongoing coughing, hoarseness, or other symptoms that become more noticeable at night

Pay attention to how often symptoms occur and whether they keep returning. Frequent heartburn, symptoms that interfere with sleep or meals, or regularly relying on over-the-counter heartburn medication can signal that it is time to discuss your symptoms with a doctor.

The differences between occasional reflux and possible GERD can become clearer when you look at the overall pattern.

Factor Occasional Acid Reflux Possible GERD
Frequency Happens from time to time Occurs regularly
Pattern Often follows a specific meal or trigger May become an ongoing problem
Daily Impact Usually brief and temporary May interfere with sleep, eating, or daily activities
Next Step Monitor symptoms and possible triggers Consider medical evaluation

What Can Happen If GERD Goes Untreated for Years?

When reflux keeps exposing the esophagus to stomach acid, the tissue can become irritated and damaged over time. Untreated GERD can eventually lead to problems that affect swallowing, change the esophageal lining, or require ongoing monitoring.

One potential GERD complication is esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus. That irritation can cause pain with swallowing and, in some cases, ulcers or bleeding. Repeated damage and healing can also produce scar tissue. As scar tissue builds, it can narrow the esophagus and form an esophageal stricture, which may make food more difficult to swallow.

Chronic acid reflux can also increase the risk of Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that changes the cells lining the lower esophagus. It develops in an estimated 5% to 15% of people with GERD and is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. That added risk makes it important to take persistent GERD seriously and address repeated reflux before it has more time to affect the esophagus.

For younger adults, developing GERD earlier in life can mean dealing with reflux and its effects for many years. Seeking treatment early can help limit continued damage to the esophagus and determine whether lifestyle changes, medication, or a more advanced GERD treatment, such as surgery, may offer better long-term control.

When Should Younger Adults See a GERD Specialist?

Frequent or worsening reflux may be a sign that it is time for a more thorough evaluation, especially when symptoms affect your daily life or continue despite lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications. A GERD specialist can evaluate what is contributing to your reflux, assess the health of your esophagus, and determine which treatment options may be appropriate.

Consider seeking care if you experience:

  • Frequent or worsening reflux despite lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications
  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Symptoms that regularly interrupt sleep, make eating uncomfortable, or interfere with everyday activities

GERD treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Some people can manage reflux with lifestyle changes or medication, while persistent or more complex cases may require additional testing and treatment. For certain patients, anti-reflux surgery may provide another option for addressing GERD and its underlying cause.

Protect Your Future Health With the Best GERD Doctor in Los Angeles

GERD can begin early in adulthood and affect the esophagus over time, making persistent symptoms worth addressing sooner rather than later. Understanding your symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options can help you take steps toward lasting relief.

Dr. Danny Shouhed is a board-certified foregut surgeon with expertise in functional gastrointestinal disorders and advanced minimally invasive treatment. He completed his surgical residency at Cedars-Sinai and fellowship training at Mount Sinai Hospital, where he focused on foregut and complex gastrointestinal surgery.

If chronic reflux is affecting your health or quality of life, schedule a consultation with the best GERD doctor in Los Angeles to explore your treatment options.