Acid Reflux Symptoms In Women
June 23rd, 2010 -- Posted in acid reflux symptoms in women | 3 Comments »Acid reflux symptoms in women and in men can be so severe that most people who experience these symptoms find it difficult to go on with their activities of daily living. Acid reflux is a symptom of an underlying condition. If you experience acid reflux frequently you may have a condition called acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is a health problem where gastric contents and acid flow back up from your stomach into your esophagus. The back flow causes several symptoms and complications. Here are some acid reflux symptoms in women which you should know about to effectively manage this condition.
Acid reflux symptoms in women:
Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms that you will feel. This is a burning sensation you will feel in your chest. The feeling can spread upward to your throat as well. You may have a sour taste in your mouth when you are experiencing heartburn. This burning sensation is caused by the acid flowing back up to your esophagus. Nausea and vomiting are also two common symptoms of acid reflux disease.
Another sign of acid reflux disease is dysphagia or having difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia happens as a result of frequent acid reflux. Acid damages the lining of your esophagus. When the lining is damaged, it will be hard for you to swallow. Sore throat and hoarseness of voice can also occur due to the damaged esophagus. Also, the presence of acid in your esophageal tract can cause an infection. Coughing then occurs because of frequent irritation of the acid in your esophagus.
The severity and frequency of these symptoms differ from one person to another.
Risk Factors
There are several conditions and factors which may increase your risk of developing an acid reflux disease. Some of these conditions are:
• Hiatal Hernia
• Asthma
• Smoking and drinking alcohol
• Pregnancy and obesity
• Diabetes
Acid reflux symptoms may be managed by simple lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating nutritious food will help decrease the severity of the symptoms. Obesity puts too much pressure on your abdomen, which increases the risk of gastric contents backing up to your esophagus. Trying to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes also help alleviate acid reflux symptoms in women by reducing the pressure on your abdomen. There are many things you can do to manage your condition. Contact your health care provider today so you can be diagnosed and be given the right treatment.