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Signs of Heartburn in Women

Heartburn is a common condition that causes a burning pain in the chest region when acid back up into the esophagus. Reoccurring heartburn constitutes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The condition may be aggravated when bending or lying down. Occasional heartburn is not a cause for concern; however, frequent heartburn may indicate that a more serious underlying condition exists. Women and men are equally affected by heartburn; however, women are more often affected during pregnancy.

  1. Symptoms

    • Heartburn causes a burning sensation in the chest area. It is most often felt soon after eating or at night-time. It may become worse when an individual lies down or bends over. It is important to note that women often mistake heart attack symptoms for heartburn. If heartburn occurs more than two times per week, persists even with over-the-counter treatments or causes swallowing difficulties, a doctor's appointment should be scheduled.

    Heartburn Food Triggers

    • Heartburn can be triggered by certain foods, drinks, condiments and spices. These items include chocolate, ketchup, tomato sauce, mustard, vinegar, colas, peppermint, alcohol, orange juice, black pepper and fatty or fried foods. Not all people will be affected by all of these items. Some people are more sensitive to one or the other and some may not be affected at all

    Other Heartburn Triggers

    • Excess weight can cause heartburn because of additional pressure on the abdomen. Pregnant women often suffer from heartburn as the fetus puts more pressure on the abdomen as it grows. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, 50 percent of all pregnant women experience heartburn during their pregnancy. Another culprit of excess abdominal pressure is tight clothing. Eating large meals and lying down shortly after eating can also trigger heartburn. Smoking tobacco products also may lead to frequent heartburn because smoking affects the function of the esophageal sphincter.

    Underlying Conditions

    • Chronic heartburn can be an indicator of more serious conditions such as GERD, Barrett's esophagus, hiatal hernia and even esophageal cancer. Barrett's esophagus is a condition that may occur after the esophagus has been exposed to stomach acids over a long period of time, usually because of GERD. A hiatal hernia occurs when a small part of the stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm. Hiatal hernias often cause heartburn and larger hernias may require surgery. According to the Mayo Clinic, some medical experts believe that chronic irritation of the esophagus may lead to esophageal cancer. Thus, it is important for individuals with chronic heartburn to address the problem with a doctor.

    Treatment

    • Over-the-counter medications such as antacids may temporarily reduce heartburn symptoms. Other over-the-counter medications that may help are medications that are designed to block acid production. Medications such as Pepcid AC and Zantac 75 are H-2-receptor blockers and medications such as Prevacid and Prilosec are proton pump inhibitors.

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