Heartburn, shortness of breath

Hello:

I'm a 25 year old male, weight about 245, 6 feet 1 inch tall.

I've smoked for about 10 years. For the last few years, I've had occasional (few times a week) bad heartburn that I attributed to smoking, which typically is remedied with Tums. Recently, things have changed.

About four days ago, I went to bed feeling bloated and feeling like I constantly needed a deep breath - I could get a deep breath, but I felt like I always needed another one. I didn't think much of it, but still had the feeling the following day.

Now it's been the same since. Not nearly as bad, but the feeling to take a deep breath is still there. I've read everything from GERD to emphysema to anxiety and stress, but I'm trying to get a hold on what's happening. I'm scheduled to go to the doctor on Thursday, so if all else fails, I'll hopefully have an answer then.

GERD is what I suspect, seeing as I have frequent heartburn (which is occasionally quite severe), but I've also noticed feeling full quickly when eating. In late June, I got married, and last week we found my wife's office was getting closed down putting her out of a job - so I can't help but wonder if it may be stress related as well.

About two weeks ago, I had some sort of gastrointestinal stomach bug, which lasted eight days. I'm not sure if that's relevant to this, but I figured I'd throw it out there. Also, I've had a post-nasal drip for the past couple weeks, leaving me with a mild sore throat in the mornings.

I've seen a lot of people who have this issue posting on forums far and wide, but it doesn't seem as though many people found relief. I'm hoping someone here can shed some light on what may be going on. If nothing else, I'll post what the doc says in a couple days.

Thanks.