Over the past few years, gastroenterology clinics have begun to notice a once rare pattern. Teenagers, not adults, are now walking in with symptoms of acid reflux. Complaints of burning in the chest, bitter taste in the mouth, and bloating after meals are becoming increasingly common in this younger age group. The culprit is rarely a single factor. Instead, it’s a trio of modern-day habits that silently inflames the digestive system: processed food, late-night screen exposure, and inadequate sleep.
We spoke to Dr Pavan Reddy Thondapu, HOD - Medical Gastroenterology, Arete Hospitals, Hyderabad, who explained acid reflux in teenagers.
What Is Acid Reflux and Why Is It Rising in Teens?
“Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid flows backwards into the food pipe. In adults, it has long been associated with obesity, poor diet, and stress. In teens, the condition is being driven by a lifestyle that is constantly overstimulated and nutritionally unbalanced,” said Dr Thondapu.
According to a 2012 study, although the symptoms of pediatric GERD differ significantly from those experienced by adults, there is a worldwide agreement that older children and adolescents with intact neurological function can be diagnosed and treated using the same approaches as those typically used for adult reflux symptoms, such as heartburn and regurgitation.
Fast Food and Late-Night Eating
Fast food has become the go-to choice for many adolescents. High in fat, low in fibre, and often eaten in a rush, these meals slow down digestion and delay stomach emptying. Carbonated drinks, fried snacks, and spicy items irritate the gut lining, making it more susceptible to acid damage. When such meals are consumed late at night, a common pattern in school and college-going teens, the risk of reflux increases further, as the body lies down before digestion is complete.
Also Read: Can Acid Reflux Be Silent? How NOT To Confuse It From An Allergy
The Screen Time Connection
The rise in screen time further compounds this. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops are often the last thing teens look at before falling asleep, if they sleep on time at all. “Staring at screens late into the night dims the body’s signal to wind down. Melatonin, the hormone that helps trigger rest, doesn’t rise as it should. As sleep gets pushed back, digestion follows suit. Odd meal timings and staying up too late wear down the small muscle that keeps stomach acid in place, letting it move up where it doesn’t belong,” added Dr Thondapu.
Sleep Deprivation and Gut Stress
Sleep deprivation also raises stress hormones in the body. When cortisol stays elevated for long periods, it impacts how food is digested and how the gut responds to acid. Many teens report not just reflux, but also stomach cramps, irregular bowel movements, and a constant sense of fullness. These may be early signs of gut inflammation, which if left unaddressed, could lead to more serious digestive issues later.
Why Teens Ignore the Symptoms
What makes the situation trickier is that teenagers often dismiss these signs. Burning in the chest is brushed off as ‘gas’ or ‘something I ate.’ Skipping breakfast becomes routine, meals get delayed, and junk food takes over. By the time medical help is sought, the discomfort has often been going on for months.
Also Read: Acidity Vs Bloating: How To Tell The Difference And What To Eat For Each
Simple Lifestyle Fixes
The good news? These patterns can be corrected. Here are some tips shared by the expert:
- Simple changes, introduced early, can protect a young digestive system and prevent chronic problems in adulthood.
- Eating meals on time, avoiding food within two hours of bedtime, cutting back on caffeinated and carbonated drinks, and ensuring adequate hydration can ease most early symptoms.
- Encouraging teens to step away from screens at least 30 minutes before sleep and to stick to a regular sleep schedule helps restore balance to the gut-brain axis.
The Role of Parents and Educators
Parents and educators have a role to play too. Creating routines that prioritise home-cooked meals, tech-free mealtimes, and sufficient rest isn’t just about discipline; it’s about health. Annual health check-ups that include basic digestive screenings can also pick up early signs of trouble, making it easier to intervene.
Bottomline
Dr Thondapu concluded, “Staring at screens late into the night dims the body’s signal to wind down. Melatonin, the hormone that helps trigger rest, doesn’t rise as it should. As sleep gets pushed back, digestion follows suit. Odd meal timings and staying up too late wear down the small muscle that keeps stomach acid in place, letting it move up where it doesn’t belong.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]