Think you may have acid reflux? Symptoms and treatments you need to know.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a very common digestive condition that affects millions of people across Ontario every year. So what causes acid reflux? Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus (tube that connects your mouth to your stomach).  As a pharmacist, I frequently speak with patients experiencing acid reflux and can provide important information about symptom management, prevention, and treatment options available.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

The most common symptoms of acid reflux include:

• Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)

• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth

• Regurgitation of food or acid

• Chest discomfort, especially after eating or when lying down

• Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food stuck in the throat

• Chronic cough or hoarseness (in some cases)

When symptoms occur frequently, acid reflux may be referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Preventing Acid Reflux

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of acid reflux:

• Avoid trigger foods: Common triggers include spicy foods, fatty meals, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods.

• Eat smaller meals: Large meals can increase pressure on the stomach and cause acid to reflux into the esophagus.

• Stay upright after eating: Avoid lying down for at least 2–3 hours after meals.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put pressure on the stomach and worsen reflux symptoms.

• Avoid smoking: Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and increase acid production.

• Elevate the head of your bed: This can help prevent nighttime acid reflux symptoms.

Treatment of Acid Reflux

If you develop ongoing or bothersome acid reflux symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment early to prevent complications or damage. If you’ve experienced acid reflux before and your symptoms are returning or worsening, you can contact a pharmacist through RxToday.ca to speak with a pharmacist for a virtual assessment in Ontario.

A pharmacist may recommend or prescribe acid reflux treatments you can take at home, such as antacids, H2 blockers (like famotidine), or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), depending on your symptoms and medical history. Ontario pharmacists can help determine the most appropriate option and advise when further medical evaluation is needed.

Always remember: Acid reflux medications work best when taken exactly as directed. Even if symptoms improve quickly, it’s important to follow your pharmacist’s instructions to ensure effective symptom control and prevent recurrence. Persistent or severe symptoms should always be reassessed by a healthcare professional.