At what age do you develop acid reflux? A breakdown by life stage

September 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 20% of adults in the United States suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). So, at what age do you develop acid reflux? The answer isn't simple, as it can emerge during any life stage, from infancy through old age, with different contributing factors at each point.

Quick Summary

Acid reflux can manifest at any stage of life, from infancy due to an underdeveloped lower esophageal sphincter, to older age as that muscle weakens and other health issues arise. While infantile reflux often resolves on its own, chronic issues in older individuals require different management strategies.

Key Points

No Single Age: Acid reflux can develop at any time, from infancy to old age, influenced by different factors.
Infantile Reflux is Common: Up to 50% of infants experience reflux due to an underdeveloped sphincter, which usually resolves by 12-18 months.
Young Adults and Lifestyle: For teenagers and young adults, acid reflux is often tied to diet, smoking, alcohol, and stress.
Older Adults Face Unique Risks: Seniors are at higher risk due to a weakening LES, medications, hiatal hernias, and other age-related factors.
Symptoms Can Change with Age: Older adults may not experience classic heartburn, instead presenting with atypical symptoms like chronic cough, chest pain, or dysphagia.
GER vs. GERD: Simple, occasional reflux (GER) is different from the chronic disease (GERD), which is defined by frequent symptoms and potential complications.
Lifestyle Modifications are Key: Regardless of age, changes like avoiding triggers, eating smaller meals, and not lying down after eating can significantly help manage symptoms.

Understanding the difference between GER and GERD

First, it's important to distinguish between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GER, or simple reflux, is a normal physiological process where stomach contents momentarily flow back into the esophagus. It is very common and often harmless. However, when this happens frequently and begins to cause troublesome symptoms or complications, it is diagnosed as GERD. The onset and characteristics of GER and GERD vary significantly with age.

Infants and young children: An age of immaturity

Infants are particularly prone to reflux, with estimates showing it affects up to half of all infants aged zero to three months. This is primarily due to an underdeveloped lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach.

Why infants experience reflux

Underdeveloped LES: The sphincter isn't fully mature, allowing stomach contents to leak back up easily.
Liquid diet: A diet of only milk or formula, combined with frequent feedings, can contribute to frequent reflux.
Positioning: Spending a lot of time lying flat, especially after feeding, can exacerbate reflux.

How it typically resolves

For most infants, this is a self-limiting condition. The LES strengthens as they grow and by the time they reach 12 to 18 months, most have outgrown the problem. In a small number of cases, symptoms persist and may indicate GERD, particularly if they affect growth or cause respiratory issues.

Teenagers and young adults: The lifestyle link

In contrast to infants, acid reflux in young people is less about immature anatomy and more about lifestyle choices. The numbers of young people with GERD symptoms are rising, with up to 25% of teenagers affected.

Common triggers in young adults

Diet: Frequent consumption of fatty, fried, or spicy foods, along with caffeinated and carbonated drinks, is a major factor.
Habits: Smoking and alcohol consumption can relax the LES and increase reflux risk.
Timing of meals: Eating large meals late at night and then lying down shortly after can allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
Stress and obesity: High stress levels and being overweight can also contribute to the development of symptoms.

The importance of early intervention

For young adults, addressing these lifestyle factors is often the primary treatment strategy. Untreated GERD can lead to long-term esophageal damage, making early and consistent management crucial.

Middle-aged adults and seniors: The effects of aging

The prevalence of GERD symptoms increases significantly after age 40, and conditions can worsen with age. For older adults, the causes are often a combination of physiological changes and comorbidities.

Age-related causes in seniors

Weakening LES: The ring of muscle at the base of the esophagus can naturally weaken over time.
Hiatal hernia: This is a condition where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, and it is more common in older adults.
Medication side effects: Many medications commonly taken by seniors, such as pain relievers, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants, can cause or worsen acid reflux.
Delayed stomach emptying: Conditions like gastroparesis, more prevalent in older age, can increase the risk of reflux.

Atypical symptoms in older adults

Interestingly, older patients may experience fewer classic heartburn symptoms and instead present with more atypical signs, such as:

Chronic cough or hoarseness
Chest pain (must be distinguished from heart issues)
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Nausea or vomiting
Anorexia or unexplained weight loss

Comparison of acid reflux across age groups


Feature	Infants	Young Adults (18-35)	Older Adults (65+)
Primary Cause	Underdeveloped LES	Lifestyle and diet factors	Weakening LES, hiatal hernia, meds
Common Symptoms	Spitting up, fussiness, poor feeding	Heartburn, regurgitation, sour taste	Atypical symptoms like cough, dysphagia
Typical Resolution	Often outgrown by 12-18 months	Manageable with lifestyle changes	Often requires long-term management
Risk of Complications	Low, but failure to thrive can occur	Increased risk due to long-term exposure	Higher risk of severe mucosal injury, ulcers
Common Treatment	Positional changes, thickened feedings	Lifestyle and dietary modifications	Medications (PPIs), lifestyle changes

Managing acid reflux at any age

Regardless of when acid reflux develops, there are effective ways to manage symptoms. For many, lifestyle adjustments are the first and most effective line of defense. This includes:

Elevate the head of your bed: This uses gravity to prevent nighttime reflux. Note that this is not recommended for infants.
Avoid trigger foods: Common culprits include fatty foods, spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, and acidic items like tomatoes.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Large meals put more pressure on the LES.
Avoid eating close to bedtime: Allow 2-3 hours between your last meal and lying down.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, puts pressure on the stomach and LES.

When lifestyle modifications are insufficient, medications like antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be necessary. In severe cases, surgical options might be considered. For definitive advice and a proper diagnosis, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional. You can find more information from reputable sources, like the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), to deepen your understanding.

Conclusion

There is no single age to develop acid reflux; it can occur at any point in life, driven by a variety of factors. In infants, it is often a temporary issue related to developmental anatomy, while in young adults it frequently stems from lifestyle choices. For older adults, the condition is more common due to age-related physiological changes and comorbidities. Understanding the different causes and manifestations at each life stage is key to effective management. By implementing appropriate lifestyle changes and, when necessary, seeking medical intervention, individuals of all ages can effectively manage their symptoms and prevent long-term complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is very normal for babies to experience acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER). It is most common in newborns up to three months old and is caused by their lower esophageal sphincter (LES) not being fully developed yet. Most babies outgrow it by their first birthday.

For young adults, acid reflux is most often triggered by lifestyle factors rather than anatomical issues. Common causes include frequent consumption of trigger foods (fatty, spicy), alcohol, smoking, obesity, and poor eating habits like eating large meals close to bedtime.

Yes, acid reflux and its complications tend to become more prevalent and severe with age. The lower esophageal sphincter can weaken, and seniors often have other comorbidities and take medications that can exacerbate symptoms.

Yes, older adults often experience less classic heartburn and more atypical symptoms. These can include unexplained weight loss, chronic cough, a sore throat, chest pain that is not cardiac-related, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).

Yes, it is possible. Late-onset acid reflux can be triggered by new factors such as weight gain, changes in diet, the development of a hiatal hernia, or starting new medications. It's important to consult a doctor to determine the cause.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the normal, occasional backflow of stomach contents. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious and chronic condition where reflux causes persistent symptoms or complications. GER is common, but only becomes GERD if it is frequent and problematic.

Prevention strategies include maintaining a healthy weight, eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods and drinks, and refraining from lying down immediately after eating. For infants, feeding position and thickened formulas can help, while older adults may need to manage comorbidities and medications.