Surreal illustration symbolizing the increasing prevalence of GERD in younger adults.

Is GERD Starting Younger? What You Need to Know About the Changing Face of Acid Reflux

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research explores how gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasingly affecting younger adults, impacting diagnosis and treatment strategies."

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition known for causing persistent heartburn, affects millions worldwide. It not only diminishes the quality of life but also places a considerable burden on healthcare systems. Traditionally, GERD has been viewed as a concern for middle-aged and older adults, but recent observations suggest a shift in this demographic. Factors contributing to GERD are now affecting a younger population, raising questions about whether the disease is becoming more prevalent among younger individuals.

A recent study published in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility investigates these changing patterns in GERD epidemiology, questioning whether a larger proportion of younger patients are now affected. This research seeks to determine if the perception of GERD as an older person's ailment still holds true today, given evolving lifestyle factors and broader health trends.

By analyzing extensive datasets, this study compares the incidence of GERD across different age groups over more than a decade. It examines the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), common medications used to manage GERD symptoms, to provide insights into treatment patterns and prevalence among younger versus older patients. The findings could reshape our understanding of GERD and influence how healthcare professionals approach diagnosis and treatment in the future.

Is Acid Reflux Really Becoming a Young Adult's Problem?

Surreal illustration symbolizing the increasing prevalence of GERD in younger adults.

The study leveraged data from Explorys, a vast electronic medical record database encompassing over 54 million patients from various healthcare institutions across the United States. Researchers examined this data to spot trends in GERD diagnoses across different age brackets. They also examined a local healthcare system in Northern Ohio to compare regional trends with the broader national dataset, classifying patients into seven age groups, ranging from 15-19 years to 70 years and older.

By analyzing GERD incidence and PPI usage from 2006 to 2016, the researchers uncovered notable shifts. While the overall number of GERD diagnoses increased, the proportion of older adults (70+) with GERD decreased. In contrast, younger age groups saw a significant rise in GERD diagnoses. Notably, the 30-39 age group experienced the most substantial increase, suggesting a concerning trend toward earlier onset of GERD.

Increased GERD in Younger Adults: The study indicated a rise in GERD cases among those aged 30-39.
Decreased GERD in Older Adults: There was a notable decrease in new GERD cases among individuals aged 70 and older.
Consistent PPI Usage Trends: Usage of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increased in younger demographics but decreased in older ones.

These trends highlight how GERD is evolving, pointing towards a need for increased awareness and tailored treatment approaches for younger individuals. Lifestyle factors, dietary habits, and other environmental influences are likely contributors, suggesting preventive strategies could play a crucial role in curbing the rise of GERD among younger adults.

What Does This Mean for You?

The study underscores the importance of recognizing that GERD is no longer solely a concern for older adults. Younger individuals experiencing frequent heartburn or acid reflux should seek medical advice to prevent potential long-term complications. Lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding trigger foods, and not eating close to bedtime, can help manage symptoms. For persistent issues, medical treatments, including PPIs, are available and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5056/jnm18140, Alternate LINK

Title: The Changing Epidemiology Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Are Patients Getting Younger?

Subject: Gastroenterology

Journal: Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility

Publisher: The Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility

Authors: Takahisa Yamasaki, Colin Hemond, Mohamed Eisa, Stephen Ganocy, Ronnie Fass

Published: 2018-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and why is it important to understand its prevalence among different age groups?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This backwash, known as acid reflux, can irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. In the context of the observed trends, GERD's increasing prevalence among younger adults is significant because it suggests a shift in the demographic affected by this condition, potentially leading to earlier and more prolonged exposure to its complications.

What methodologies did the study use to analyze the changing patterns of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

The study used the *Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility* to investigate changes in GERD epidemiology, which is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to the control of health problems. The study also leveraged data from Explorys, a vast electronic medical record database, to analyze the incidence of GERD across different age groups. By analyzing datasets and comparing the incidence of GERD across different age groups, the study aimed to identify shifts in GERD prevalence and understand the evolving patterns of the disease.

What role do proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) play in the context of the research on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medications used to reduce the production of stomach acid. The study examined PPI usage to provide insights into treatment patterns and the prevalence of GERD among younger versus older patients. Consistent trends in PPI usage, such as an increase in younger demographics and a decrease in older ones, highlight the evolving nature of GERD and how treatment strategies are changing across different age groups. The use of PPIs indicates how healthcare professionals are responding to the changing patterns of GERD.

What specific trends regarding age and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) did the study uncover?

The study highlighted an increase in GERD cases among those aged 30-39. At the same time, it showed a decrease in new GERD cases among individuals aged 70 and older. These findings suggest that GERD is increasingly affecting younger individuals. This shift may be due to various factors, including lifestyle, dietary habits, and other environmental influences. Recognizing this trend is important because it calls for increased awareness and tailored treatment approaches for younger individuals to manage their symptoms.

What can someone do to manage the symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and its effects?

Lifestyle adjustments play a significant role in managing GERD symptoms. Some recommendations include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding trigger foods, and not eating close to bedtime. For persistent issues, medical treatments, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), are available and should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Making changes to your daily life and being aware of your habits will help you to mitigate the symptoms of GERD and prevent any long-term complications that could arise.