Women’s Digestive Detective: Finding the 10 Signs of Dyspepsia

2. Heartburn: The Burning Sensation That Rises

Heartburn can be a confounding experience. It’s characterized by a burning sensation that starts in the stomach and seems to rise up to the throat. Women often describe it as a hot, searing feeling that can be both painful and unsettling. This symptom typically occurs after consuming certain types of food or drink, especially those that are spicy, acidic, or caffeinated.

The reason behind heartburn is the stomach acid. Sometimes, this acid can back up into the esophagus, which doesn’t have the same protective lining as the stomach. As a result, the sensitive esophageal tissue gets irritated by the acid, leading to the characteristic burning sensation.(2)