Possible GERD or...?

I am a 22 year old Asian/Caucasian female with decent health. For about two years I've had this strange problem that, at first wasn't too bad and handled with OTCs, but now it's starting to happen a lot more often.

I was told it was GERD, but this feeling of something slowly crawling back up my throat doesn't hurt or burn. There is no nausea or chest pain, and happens only when I go to bed or lay down for more than a couple of hours. I was able to 'stop' it by propping myself up when sleeping, but when that stopped working I used Pepto, which worked for a while. Now that also has stopped being effective, and even if I never fully lay down, if I am not completely upright I feel like something gross (but not acidic or burning) is coming up my throat.

Now it doesn't ALWAYS happen when I lay down. Some nights I never feel it, and sometimes it wakes me up in the middle of the night. But I'm not sure if this is just a less severe version of GERD or something else.

[Alahnore]

Forgot to add: this happens regardless of food/drink consumption. Whether or not I eat/drink or however long its been, this occurs. I've tried to drink milk to push whatever it is back down, but it has no effect.

[Caryopteris]

I think you have a hiatal hernia.  See a doctor.  

[GenieH]

Have you discussed your symptoms with a healthcare professional?  I definitely would.  GERD is usually associated with a pain or discomfort of some sort.

[Flycaster305]

I had a similar sensation.  Acid reflux doesn't always cause physical pain, at least it didn't in my case.  However, the acid eroded my vocal cords permanently, and ate the enamel off my teeth requiring having to have my teeth capped.  I had the Nissen Fundoplication surgery which fixed the problem, but the acids can do a lot of damage very quickly.  I'd have it checked out also.

[Alahnore]

@Caryopteris  Would that not cause pain?

@GenieH I've asked some nurses and they typically say GERD and to try OTC meds.

@Flycaster305  I am sorry to hear that. But by the way it sounds, you refluxed all the way back into your mouth? Mine never quite reaches that far.

Would a general doctor be able to do much, or would I need to arrange to see a specialist?

[Flycaster305]

You should see a specialist.  A procedure called an Endoscopy would give you a great deal of information.  Like Caryopteris, I think you have a hiatel hernia, based on my experience.  

[Alahnore]

I'll see if I can get in touch with one. Thank you and everyone =)