@jarv, I'm glad you found others with a similar experience. I know it always helps when you don't feel so alone like I did back in 2012 when this started for me. Since then, this community has been developed hopefully as a good resources for anyone with similar symptoms who can sift through and find something that could help.

Just recently I've been focused on my health more, where I've started walking daily and slowly improving my eating habits. For the first time in years, I've been off of PPIs for an extended time for my GERD and while I've had some reflux symptoms, it comes and goes. Whereas when I've tried in years past to get off of PPIs, I would have constant heartburn and reflux. So I still think there is some connection because my air hunger has also slowly improved at the same time.

I'd definitely be interested in knowing what your doctor has to say about your symptoms especially if they discover reflux. Let me know!