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I had this problem about five years ago. My dr told me to take Pepcid AC every day for a month then report back to him. It went away and didn't come back for a few years.

Last year I got hit again and this time the (new) doc put me on a prescription antacid for two months. I've been fine since.

From what I understand, your esophageal sphincter can be damaged and repeated reflux can damage it more, hampering the healing process. By taking antacids and cutting back on the acid leakage, you can give your sphincter an opportunity to heal and cure the problem.

If it doesn't stop after a month of antacid treatments, you need to see your doc. (If it stops after only a *week* or two with antacids, you still need to keep taking them for the full month.) There are other things that can help. Better antacids, surgery, changing sleeping positions, etc.

(Another thing that can make it worse is drinking alcohol or eating a heavy meal right before bed.)

For me, it was a temporary thing that was able to be fixed. For some, it's more serious. But if you've never had problems before, I'd recommend giving the Pepcid AC a 30 day trial run.