Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD), or heartburn, is a burning irritation in the esophagus from stomach acid. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not fully close, or when it opens too often, allowing stomach acid to get into the esophagus. Heartburn is common, particularly if you are pregnant. Factors for faulty LES function may be an overfull stomach from a heavy meal or pressure on the stomach from pregnancy, constipation or obesity.
For treatment, there are over-the-counter medications for occasional heartburn. If you experience heartburn frequently, which many people do, you may want a prescription medicine that gives you 24 hour relief. Two main GERD treatments are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Nexium and H2 blockers like Dexilant. The former is effective for longer lasting relief and helping prevent esophageal inflammation, and the latter is effective for straightforward heartburn relief. Both types of medication can be found at competitive prices here on Canada Pharmacy online.