GERD without burning sensation or acidic taste???

Has anyone else been diagnosed with GERD even without feeling any "heartburn" or tasting/feeling any acid???  I am very confused because I always thought those were the two main symptoms, but I don't have either and my doctor has diagnosed me with GERD and prescribed Protonix anyway.  My symptoms are extreme pressure on my breast bone and pain when I breathe (not just deep breaths).  No burning or acid whatsoever.

[bsmsl]

Yes.  It is called laryngeal-pharyngeal reflux and is common in asthmatics.  It can cause asthma symptoms, sinus infection, laryngities, and other upper respriatory issues.  Many people are miss diagnosed with asthma, but when they get their reflux under control the asthma symptoms disappear.

Take care.

[Flycaster305]

bsmsl is on the money.  Also, people with diabetes often don't experience discomfort from acid reflux.  In my case, my symptoms were burned vocal cords and my teeth started losing enamel from the acid, but almost no typical discomfort.  I did get some intense discomfort in the middle of my chest that I mistook for angina (I've had a number of heart issues, including eight stents and a pacemaker) that indeed were GERD, but I never got the typical reflux symtoms (symptoms).  I just went through a successful surgery (Nissen Fundoplication) and no more vocal cord or tooth issues.  I also developed a condition called Barrett's Esophagus and have to go through a procedure to burn off some questionable cells... GERD should be taken seriously. believe me.

[katwoman119]

I also have reflux & went undiagnosed for years because I had NO symptoms.  By the time I developed symptoms (minor chest pain & occasional discomfort when swallowing), I already had Barrett's Esophagus.  Barrett's is when the acid backing up into your esophagus causes the cells in your esophagus to change from normal cells to precancerous cells.    

[bsmsl]

Yes, I have barretts esophagus (little b) as well.  There are two types.  One is pre-cancerous (capital B), but the type I have is not.  Maintaining good control of my GERD will be sufficient to keep me from developing esophageal cancer from acid reflux.  Catching and controlling GERD early is essential for reducing risks of cancer.  Left untreated or poorly controlled my barrett's esophagus could develop into Barrett's esophagus and require more agressive treatment.

Take care.