I am a 26 yr old female and have had acid reflux since I was 18. My parents have it and I seemed to inherit it also. I am a smoker and a social drinker, and I was eating TONS of Carbs. I was just using TUMs or pepcid all the time-I had a bottle in my car, next to my bed, at work--just in case. I went to the doctor about 4 years ago and he gave me Prevacid. It worked while I was taking it but then my perscription ran out. Since I have been Low carbing I have the occasional heartburn. Not nearly as bad as before. I seem to only get it now when I drink.