Know GERD and Acid Reflux Symptoms in Women

Know GERD and Acid Reflux Symptoms in Women

Acid Reflux is a gastric problem known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It can happen to both men and women and people of all age groups. Let us first know what this disease is all about before we learn its symptoms and how to prevent it. Stomach and oesophagus are connected or rather divided by a ring- shaped muscle called lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). This valve remains closed all the time and opens only when food is swallowed to allow the passage of food from windpipe (Oesophagus) to the stomach. As soon as the food is swallowed oesophageal sphincter closes again and prevents the food, stomach acid and other digestive enzymes to enter oesophagus. Sometimes this valve (LES) does not close properly and causes the stomach acid to reflux or go back into the windpipe. This gives a bitter/ sour taste of the stomach acid during a burp. This leads to burning sensation, discomfort and irritation either in throat or chest or sometimes both. This malfunctioning of lower oesophageal sphincter leads to heartburn and indigestion and is called Acid reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Anyone experiencing it around 3-4 times a week or more than this is suffering from GERD.

Acid reflux symptoms in women:

Heartburn- A burning sensation in the mid-chest

Sore throat or sour taste in mouth- bitter or sour taste of acid felt during a burp. This leads to irritation and a sour throat.

Nausea- Not very common but some women suffering from GERD may experience this.

Vomiting- generally experienced by women having the feeling of nausea but it may also be experienced by women with absolutely no feeling of nausea.

Difficulty in swallowing

Coughing- Sometimes a sore throat leads to coughing.

Pregnant women often suffer from acid reflux because of high level of hormones which decreases the efficiency of the LES muscle and increased abdomen due to the growing foetus. But apart from acid reflux during pregnancy GRED symptoms are more or less the same for men and women. Acid reflux during the day is less harmful than reflux during the night because during the daytime, in an upright position, the refluxed acid often goes back to the stomach due to gravity. Plus the process of swallowing during the day helps in letting the stomach acid go back to the stomach. Along with this saliva produces bicarbonate which neutralized the acid.

A few causes for acid reflux symptoms in women are obesity, pregnancy and smoking. A simple search of Gastroenterologist Houston on the internet will give us diet and health tips to prevent acid reflux. Acid reflux symptoms in women can be prevented by avoiding alcohol, coffee, smoking, spicy food, citrus fruits, acidic foods like pizza and tomatoes and tomato- based food, oily food, sodas, garlic, onion, chocolates and peppermints. A GRED patient should raise the head of the bed while sleeping at night, eat small but frequent meals, lose weight in case of obesity, keep a gap of 2- 3 hours between dinner and bedtime and avoid wearing tight clothes. He/ She should prefer wearing loose-fitting outfits.

POST COMMENT

Over the Counter Medications for Bacterial Vaginosis Sleep Number Mattress Bliss or Mattress Nightmare The High-Deductible Plan - The most Reasonably priced Health Plan they Provide you at some Firms These days Turn Your Body Into A Fat Burning Furnace Natural Remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis Sleeping Easy with Down Comforter Sets Foul Vaginal Odor: A symptom of STD or not? Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms Ear Care Natural Tips and Useful Herbs for the Treatment of Labyrinthitis Urinary Infection Causes and Home Remedies for kidney infection, UTI Being Overweight Can Seriously Harm Your Health In Multiple Ways Several Tips to Get Healthy Children With Healthy Habits Eating Healthy Is Not About Losing Weight