Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD — gastroesophageal reflux disease — happens when acid from the stomach flows back up into the esophagus. Occasional reflux after eating is normal, but when it happens often or lasts, the acid irritates the esophagus and causes symptoms. The classic ones are heartburn (a burning feeling in the chest or upper stomach) and regurgitation (food or liquid rising into the throat or mouth). Some people also notice a lump-in-the-throat feeling, a chronic cough, hoarseness, sore throat, or nausea. It’s very common and usually manageable with lifestyle changes and acid-reducing medication — but persistent or “alarm” symptoms always need a proper look.
Self-care products available in our shop
- Antacids (e.g., Tums, Rolaids, Maalox) for fast, short-term relief
- Alginate products (e.g., Gaviscon) that form a barrier on stomach contents
- H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine / Pepcid) for longer relief
- Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole) for frequent heartburn
- Lifestyle steps that help: eat smaller meals, avoid late-night eating, stay upright after meals, lose excess weight, limit triggers (high-fat foods, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks), and raise the head of your bed by about 10 cm.
Treatments our pharmacist can prescribe
For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are prescription treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.
Antacids & adsorbents: Alginic acid, Aluminum hydroxide, Calcium carbonate, Magnesium salts
Histamine H2-antagonists: Cimetidine, Famotidine (Pepcid), Nizatidine, Ranitidine
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs): Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), Esomeprazole (Nexium), Lansoprazole (Prevacid), Omeprazole (Losec), Pantoprazole (Pantoloc, Tecta), Rabeprazole (Pariet)
When to seek further care: Seek medical care right away if you have chest pain, difficulty or painful swallowing, a feeling of food sticking, vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, or signs of anemia (dizziness, unusual fatigue, paleness). Also follow up if heartburn isn’t controlled after 2 weeks of treatment, or if you need acid-reducing medication for more than 2 weeks every 6 months.