The clinical characteristics are basically the same for both men and women, however acid reflux symptoms in women are often more severe and especially noted during pregnancy.  While most everyone with acid reflux symptoms or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can relate to symptoms of heartburn or burning chest pain, nausea, indigestion, trouble swallowing, throat pain, etc., these symptoms seem to be more pronounced in women.

Perhaps women are more in tune with their bodies (especially with regard to "silent" symptoms such as bad breath and hoarseness of voice) than men, or maybe women are more likely to seek medical attention and treatment options if they feel something isn't quite right.  There is no current clinical evidence that women are more prone to acid reflux, only that the symptoms are often more debilitating and severe.

During pregnancy a woman's body undergoes three stages or trimesters; first, second and third.  In the first trimester, hormones are raging and could significantly increase the amount of gastric acid within the stomach.  This is where the heartburn pain begins for most pregnant women.  Acid reflux in women who are pregnant can continue to increase as the baby grows.

During the second and third stages of pregnancy, the uterus is expanding and putting more and more pressure on other organs within the abdominal cavity, particularly the bladder, stomach and esophagus.  When the stomach and esophagus are under too much pressure, the strong acids in the stomach that aid in digestion are more likely to seep through the esophageal sphincter and cause severe heartburn and indigestion.  Pregnant women are obviously concerned with the baby's health and may seek more natural remedies, such as teas, apple cider vinegar and the use of a wedge pillow, than modern medication for treating their symptoms.

What causes acid reflux in women can be attributed to a multitude of reasons.  Alcohol consumption, smoking, foods and drinks high in caffeine and fat and coffee are all said to potentially exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.  It's important for women, and men, to know which foods to avoid and other obvious diet changes that could decrease symptomatology.  Under physician supervision, medications and sometimes even surgery are recommended.

Acid reflux in women is common, painful and sometimes unrelenting.  Like any medical condition, the best remedies are based on patient information and education, knowing all available treatment options and researching avenues the doctors may not tell you about.