Q. I am randomly belching/burping, have shortness of breath, yawning, and I can't catch my breath. I’m feeling weird. What is going on?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
It sounds like you are experiencing symptoms of a condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), more commonly referred to as acid reflux. Acid reflux is when the contents in your stomach, including acids and bile, flow back into your esophagus and cause irritation and discomfort.
Belching/burping is a common symptom of GERD. This occurs due to the gas that builds up in your digestive tract during digestion being pushed out of the body through the mouth. It can also be caused by an increase in air pressure inside of your abdomen forcing air outwards through your throat or mouth. Shortness of breath may be caused by GERD because it causes inflammation of both the respiratory system (which can lead to difficulty breathing) as well as irritation to nerve endings around the diaphragm, which can contribute to feeling short of breath when there's no other obvious physical cause for it. Yawning may also be related; GERD interrupts normal functioning within our body, leading us to feel fatigued or nauseous, prompting yawns - an unconscious reflex action - in response.
The best course for treatment would depend on what type or severity level you have been diagnosed with, but typically medications such as antacids or prescribed medications such as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, Prokinetics drugs are recommended along lifestyle changes such as avoiding large meals close to bedtime and eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day instead - things that trigger acid production should be avoided too! Additionally drinking plenty fluids throughout the day will help thin down any acidic build-up that has occurred over time so they're flushed away easier before they become bothersome again – this includes things like water and herbal teas specifically targeted towards treating acid reflux symptoms Exercise has also been found helpful sometimes too!