Aspiration/Pain

Over the past year I have aspirated stomach acid while sleeping, which shut down my esophagus. I then wakeup immediately and am not able to inhale to the point of almost passing out.  Pounding on my chest I can start breathing like through a small straw after getting some air in my lungs I will start coughing at which point I am able to breathe a little better. The hard breathing will usually last for about forty minutes. I will feel a burning in my throat. This has happened about seven times and has not occurred for the past six months.  Now I find that when I drink liquids it

[National Jewish]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the back flow of stomach contents, including digestive juices, into the esophagus or food tube.  This is most commonly called heartburn.  This reflux can come all the way up to the mouth and nose.  When this happens the material can be aspirated, dribbling into the windpipe and lungs.

GERD can cause the following symptoms: