GERD (Acid Reflux)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Ontario Minor Ailments Program.
- GERD occurs when stomach acid regularly flows back into the esophagus
- Causes burning discomfort that can disrupt eating, sleeping, and daily life
- One of the most common digestive complaints and responds well to treatment when uncomplicated
Could It Be GERD & Acid Reflux?
- Heartburn: burning sensation in the chest, often after eating or lying down
- Regurgitation: sour or bitter tasting acid backing up into the throat or mouth
- Chest discomfort or pressure behind the breastbone
- Bloating and excess belching after meals
- Reflux that worsens at night and disrupts sleep
- Persistent sour taste or bad breath
How It Works
Complete the online assessment (symptoms and medical history).
Licensed Ontario pharmacist reviews the assessment and determines if prescription treatment is appropriate
If appropriate, treatment is delivered to the home with refill support. Same flow used on every page.
Treatment
- Antacids (calcium carbonate, aluminum or magnesium salts) for quick relief
- H2 antagonists (famotidine) for moderate symptom control
- Proton pump inhibitors, PPIs (omeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole) for persistent reflux
- Lifestyle guidance on trigger foods, meal timing, and weight management
- Ontario pharmacists can assess and prescribe directly for uncomplicated GERD, no GP referral required
Trust and credentials
Why Rumini.
Licensed Ontario pharmacists
personalized care
Convenient online refills
Free Home delivery across Ontario
direct insurance billing where available
private and secure (PHIPA compliant)
Frequently Asked Questions.
What causes GERD?
GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter weakens or relaxes abnormally, letting stomach acid flow back into the esophagus. Common triggers include certain foods, alcohol, caffeine, smoking, excess weight, pregnancy, and some medications.
How is GERD treated?
Treatment combines lifestyle changes with antacids, H2-antagonists, or proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) depending on severity. Ontario pharmacists can assess your symptoms and prescribe directly for uncomplicated GERD.
How long until I feel better?
Antacids relieve symptoms within minutes. H2-antagonists typically work within 30 to 60 minutes. PPIs may take 1 to 4 days for full effect, with improvement continuing over 1 to 2 weeks.
What happens if GERD is left untreated?
Long-standing, untreated reflux can lead to esophagitis, strictures, or other complications over time. Persistent or worsening symptoms deserve a proper assessment rather than indefinite self-treatment.
Can reflux medication mask something more serious?
Yes, and this is exactly why an assessment matters. Reflux medication can relieve symptoms of other conditions, such as ulcers or, rarely, cardiac issues, without treating the underlying cause. A pharmacist reviews the full symptom picture before prescribing and refers onward if anything doesn’t fit a straightforward GERD picture.
When should I seek in-person care instead?
Seek in-person or emergency care if you have difficulty or pain swallowing, unintended weight loss, vomiting blood or black, tarry stools, persistent vomiting, chest pain that could be cardiac (especially with shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw), or if you’re over 60 with new-onset symptoms.