Difficulty Breathing - GERD/GALLBALDER?

After suffering from difficulty breathing for over 6-years and still unable to figure out why, I am finally posting--I hope someone will recognize and know what this is!

When I was 16 I started to have trouble getting deep breaths (and I had never had trouble before, even in sports). It was during a very stressful time for me and I was also suffering from bad allergies so I thought maybe that was why. But later, when I was no longer in that situation, the problem persisted and I went to see a doctor. A scan of my lungs showed everything was fine, TB test was negative, and so I was diagnosed with asthma.

The only problem was that Albuterol treatments, my inhaler AND the steroid I was taking did absolutely nothing to help me. I was then taken to do more tests (checking throat, vocal cords, etc.) and wound up seeing and Ear, Nose and Throat specialist who found out I have a VERY SMALL hiatal hernia which was causing GERD.  

I thought this was weird because I never noticed my breathing difficulties (I call them "episodes") being linked to any specific foods. Yes, it does get worse after I eat WHEN I am having the problem, but during the times I am not having an "episode" I could eat spicy, acidic, or even greasy food just fine with no problem.

About a year ago I started noticing that my "episodes" also involved a lot of uncontrollable burping and I could feel something that seemed like mucus in my throat. I went to see a different doctor and to have my hernia checked again in case it had gotten worse.

But no, it was still very small and this doctor also found it strange that I would be suffering such bad symptoms with such a small hernia (apparently it shouldn't cause sever GERD).

So off to more tests. I did some basic blood work, x-rays, and something that tested my heart. Then the doctor did an upper endoscopy which revealed that I still had un-digested food in my stomach even though I hadn't eaten in over eight hours. One ultrasound later and it was discovered I had gallstones.

So, I had my gallbladder removed about four months ago and I was really hoping this would be the end of my breathing problems.

Apparently, that is not the case. Here I am, still having difficulty getting a deep breath with that mucus-ie/chocking feeling in my throat. I have been fine over the past few months since I had my gallbladder removed (even with any food I eat, although I've been trying to avoid fast food) and have only just recently started having an "episode".

The only thing I can think of is that it is still related to my hiatal hernia. But I really, REALLY don't want to have another surgery so if anyone has any suggestions on what it could be/what I can do to STOP an episode I would be grateful!!

A few other things I wanted to mention:

-Yes, I have tried over-the-counter antacids such as Prilosec with no effect. I've also tried using liquid antacid like Maalox with no effect.

-I am not over weight, I do not smoke, and I do not drink.

THANK YOU!!!

[Caryopteris]

GERD can cause symptoms of asthma.  

http://heartburn.about.com/b/2008/07/21/study-how-acid-reflux-may-trigger-asthma.htm

[Caryopteris]

At the end of that article, there is a link to see ways to combat the problem.  If it doesn't recommend getting tested for Celiac disease, I'd add that to your list of chores.  And I would avoid dairy products to see if that helps.