A reflux “flare” does not have a fixed duration; it depends on trigger intensity and baseline GERD severity. For some, a heavy meal or alcohol/caffeine leads to hours of symptoms; for others, symptoms can fluctuate for several days. If esophageal irritation is significant, settling down can take days. The key distinction is whether this is an isolated flare or recurrent chronic reflux. Symptoms occurring 2+ days per week, nighttime awakenings, or swallowing difficulties indicate the management plan should be escalated rather than simply waiting it out. If chest pain could be cardiac, urgent evaluation takes priority. With lifestyle optimization and appropriate therapy, both flare frequency and duration can be reduced.