Heartburn Symptoms in Women

Heartburn is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid reflux disease. The burning sensation felt because of heartburn is caused by the hydrochloric acid present in the stomach. This acid is helpful in the digestion of food. When, for some reason, it gets pushed back from the stomach to the esophagus or food pipe and causes irritation in the latter's highly sensitive lining, we feel as heartburn. Research studies have shown that more number of women suffer from heartburn than men because the levels of hormones that help in digestion undergo frequent changes in women. Even among women, pregnant women, in particular, tend to suffer from heartburn more often. Moreover, women with hiatal hernia or a bulge in the upper portion of the stomach tend to get heartburn. There are several misconceptions associated with heartburn symptoms in women and it is essential to clear them out.

Heartburn Symptoms and Treatment in Women

One of the most common heartburn symptoms in women is a sharp burning sensation that runs down, starting from the base of the throat to the other end of the breast bone. This feeling of discomfort can stay for a brief period of time, or it can last for hours too. It increases further, if one bends over or lies flat or slouches. It also troubles more, while eating and sleeping. When this burning sensation turns severe, then it can give rise to a piercing pain in chest. Sour taste in the mouth can get spread up to the back of the throat due to the reflux acid. It can become so bad that one can start feeling nausea. Many women suffering from heartburn complain about sore throat. The soreness of throat give rise to frequent cough. It also gives them pain while swallowing. Another sign of heartburn is getting a feeling of fullness and losing the interest in eating. Some women get the feeling that some food has been stuck up in the throat. Read more on: acid reflux symptoms in women.

Heartburn Symptoms During Pregnancy

Heartburn can happen any time during pregnancy, but its probability increases manifold during the second and third trimester, when the uterus grows big and thus put a lot of pressure on the stomach. Another reason behind heartburn in pregnancy is the pregnancy hormone progesterone. This hormone is responsible for easing of the valve that lies in between the esophagus and the stomach. As a result, more and more quantity of gastric juices are pushed up the esophagus, resulting in heartburn. The stinging sensation of burning, mostly start from the chest area and stretch up to the throat. In some cases, women complain of pain in the arms as well. When the pain is concentrated near the heart, it is likely be due to eating spicy food. Other heartburn symptoms in pregnancy include excessive sweating, accompanied by shortness of breath and back pain. Some women may feel weakness as well. If you are pregnant and do not eaten anything for long, then you can get heartburn due to empty stomach. Heartburn can occur at night just after eating meals and can bother you till late night. It can be avoided, if you do not lie down or sleep immediately after having your dinner.

Treatment for Heartburn in Women

Water helps a lot in getting relief from heartburn. Many women are said to have got a lot of relief from chewing gum. Chewing gum leads to production of saliva inside the mouth, which has bicarbonate that is basic in nature. When the bicarbonate of saliva reacts with gastric acid secreted by the stomach, the acid get neutralized. Antacid is the best medicine for heartburn treatment. Though some antacid medications may show side effects like constipation and diarrhea. So you should consult the doctor before taking any antacid. However, pregnant women should not take antacid that have iron, magnesium or calcium in them. They should opt for some natural heartburn cures. Read more on:

• Home Remedies for Heartburn
• Natural Cures for Acid Reflux
• Acid Reflux Remedies During Pregnancy

In pregnant women, since heartburn is due to hormonal secretion and uterus growth, it cannot be prevented. However, with proper diet and other suitable measures, heartburn can be checked to some extent. Following a proper GERD diet can also be a helpful measure. Caffeine and spicy, fried foods should be stopped completely. Instead of stuffing the stomach with food at a time, one must take small quantities of foods at intervals during the day. Excessive intake of liquid is not good at the time of meals. Walking a while, after eating helps in prevention of heartburn. While sleeping, they should take an elevated posture so that the acid in the stomach is brought down by gravitation. Read more on: tips for heartburn relief.

Though, heartburn in women could be a minor indigestion problem, it should not be neglected. Excessive acidity in the esophagus can lead to a more serious condition, like esophageal bleeding and even, ulcer or scar in that region. If any of the above-mentioned heartburn symptoms in women bother you persistently, visit your doctor for treatment.