Acid Reflux Symptoms In Women

Acid reflux symptoms in women, or gastroesophageal reflux as it is also known, indicates a chronic condition that causes the stomach acids to back up into the esophagus.

Our stomach and esophagus are separated by a valve like opening called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In normal circumstances, this valve keeps the stomach acids from entering the esophagus; however, in some cases, the valve malfunctions and allows stomach acids to regurgitate into the esophagus, leading to acid reflux disorder.

Our stomachs have a mucus lining that protects them from acid but this protection is not present in the esophagus. In the absence of any protection, when acids from the stomach reach this area, they can cause acute discomfort and even severe pain.

As a rule, both men and women are equally prone to this disorder. However, during pregnancy the chances of a woman developing acid reflux increase manifold.

The increasing size of the fetus exerts pressure on all the digestive organs, which in turn push against the LES, causing it to open and allow stomach acids to leak into the esophagus.

The hormones running rampant in a pregnant woman also cause slackening of the LES muscle thereby decreasing its efficiency.

Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Women:

* Heartburn: The acid that gets into the esophagus can lead to a severe burning sensation in the middle part of the chest, which is one of the most common symptoms of acid reflux disorder. This condition is called heartburn. The severe burning sensation might also be felt in the abdomen and throat.

* Sour Taste in the Mouth: During severe acid reflux, the stomach acids might reach the throat and mouth leading to an extremely sour taste and a foul smell.

* Nausea: The acid that gets into the esophagus lining, mouth and throat can triggers off a feeling of nausea. This symptom is generally felt by women who do not experience severe heartburn and is not very common.

* Vomiting: Women who experience nausea due to acid reflux often end up throwing up. However, the two might not always be correlated. Women with absolutely no nauseous feeling can also vomit due to acid reflux while women who suffer from nausea the whole day might never vomit at all.

* Sore Throat and Coughing: In severe cases of acid reflux, the stomach acids and even undigested food from the stomach reaches the throat and mouth. This can lead to an extremely soar and scratchy throat. Persistent coughing might also develop as a result of prolonged acid regurgitation.

* Difficulty Swallowing: The presence of acids in the esophagus, throat and mouth can cause difficulty in swallowing in some women. This is an extremely uncomfortable symptom that can lead to a loss of interest in food and other related complications.

Acid reflux disorder is common in pregnant women but it generally disappears once the child is born.

For people who suffer form this disorder on a regular basis there is no permanent cure, however the symptoms and discomforts can be controlled and minimized through medications. Ask your doctor about it.

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