Allergies or stomach issues?

Hi everyone. I’m looking for some advice. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms? I need help figuring out which tests I should ask my doctor for. I’ve been a long-time smoker—about a pack a day. For the last month, my throat and nose have been itching constantly. My nose is always stuffed up in the morning, too. On top of that, I’ve been dealing with constant bloating, burping, and acid reflux. There’s this persistent feeling of a lump in my throat, a tightness, and moments where I feel like I can't catch my breath. I cut back to just two cigarettes a day, which helped the itching in my throat and nose, but everything else is still there. That feeling of being unable to breathe... it hits me randomly, and I end up gasping for air like a fish out of water.

It sounds like you’re dealing with esophageal inflammation and GERD—basically acid reflux where stomach acid creeps back up and irritates the lining of your esophagus.

That scratchy feeling in your throat? Could be anything from smoking irritation or a mild cold to allergies—but heartburn is a prime suspect here.

Your best bet is to hit up a primary care physician; they can write you a prescription for Microsoft (those pills that dial down your stomach acid production).
For some quick relief, try mixing a teaspoon of baking soda into some water—you can grab a box at any grocery store—or pick up some Tums over the counter at a drugstore. Stick to drinking plenty of plain water, maybe 1.5 to 2 liters spread out through the day, especially before you eat. You also need to watch what you put in your mouth: steer clear of greasy foods, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, soda, deli meats, chips, fried chicken, fries, fast food, pizza, and anything loaded with garlic or onions. When you turn in for the night, try sleeping with your head elevated, and make sure your last meal is at least two hours before you hit the pillow.

As for that shortness of breath—have you been stuck in bed lately due to an injury or some other illness? Are you on any medications, like blood pressure pills or birth control? How long has this breathing issue been going on?

Thanks for getting back to me. As for that feeling like I can't catch my breath, it’s been going on for about a month now. I haven't been taking any medication. It just hits me right after my acid reflux kicks in, and then I end up getting worked up over the whole thing. Honestly, I haven't been in great shape this summer either; I've mostly just been lounging around the house.

Were you actually stuck in bed dealing with some illness, or was it more of a "just couldn't be bothered" kind of situation where you were just totally inactive?