I have recently noticed that the pains usually comes right before my period. I see my pulmonologist next week and will mention what has been said. Has anyone else experience this kind of behavior?
Your description of difficulties breathing in a young woman "for a few days, usually every month", suggest that there might be a relationship with your menstrual cycle. This may be seen with peri-menstrual asthma. Another consideration would be lymphangiomyomatosis, but that is rare.
My advice is that you be carefully evaluated by your pulmonologist at the time of the month when you are most symptomatic. This would include an exam, pulmonary function testing, a chest x-ray, and perhaps even a CT scan of your chest.
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 acid reflux or heartburn. This reflux can come all the way up into the mouth and nose. When this happens the material can be aspirated, dribbling into the windpipe and lungs. This could explain your difficulty breathing, especially at night.
GERD can cause the following symptoms: