Heartburn and Acid Reflux Symptoms in Women and Men

The majority of people, at one time or another will experience that burning sensation in the upper chest and lower throat area of the body. It may be accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth or a gassy and bloated stomach. Approximately 60 percent of adult will face the discomfort of acid reflux or heartburn as it is commonly called. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) occurs when stomach acids leap into the esophagus causing a painful, discomforting burning sensation that can cause very serious problems if left unattended.

Acid reflux is a disease that knows no gender differences. It affects men as well as women. Men are a little more stubborn than women so we tend to put up with it longer before we go and get help to relieve our symptoms. Let me cut to the chase, the symptoms are the same regardless of your gender make-up.

It has been estimated that 70 percent of women will experience acid reflux disease while they are pregnant with much of it during the last three months of their pregnancy. And we wonder why they get so moody and all. This could be caused by either the increased hormone levels (I am talking heartburn not moodiness) or the added pressure caused by the growing baby inside the womb. This extra pressure pushes on the stomach area forcing their acids to move upward. Either way it causes major pain and discomfort for the expectant mom. Many times after the baby is born the symptoms disappear and the mother can go about her business of raising her new child without that burning heartburn.

The most common heartburn and acid reflux symptoms in women are the same for men, other than those found during the pregnancy. These would include, but not limited to, a burning sensation behind the chest plate that intensifies when bending over or stooping down, problems swallowing, an irritated throat and a scratchy sounding voice, a gassy feeling coupled with burping and an upset stomach. Should these symptoms persist it might be a wise move to see your health care professional.

There are a number of things that can increase the likelihood of women facing an episode of acid reflux or heartburn. We have already mentioned pregnancy but being overweight can also cause the same kinds of pressures on the stomach forcing the acid to flow up through the sphincter muscles into the esophagus. A hiatal hernia may also add undue pressures as well.

If you are suffering form the symptoms of acid reflux you may want to watch the types of food that you eat. Spicy and foods high in citrus acids can cause heartburn. Tomatoes and Brussels sprouts along with coffee and other high caffeine drinks can be real downers when it comes to GERD. Watch out for the amount of alcohol you ingest as well since it can also cause acid reflux. Eating five to six smaller meals every day instead of over eating at one sitting can relive you of some certain grief and also help with your blood sugar and weight loss.