Burning pains in the lungs

Hi. Here is my background. My most disturbing symptom is breathing issues and I have been trying to figure out what is the cause. I have a small hiatal hernia and GERD diagnosed through bravo. But I have been to Pulmonologists and am still doing tests. The test I have had show no lung issues. But given the flare nature of this, I am not sure it is going to catch breathing problems easily. I have read there is a relationship between gut and lungs and that even long term, the vapors of the stomach can strigger adult-onset ashtma and unfortunately even worse lung issues. I don't know how long that takes. I am told a long time, but i also don't trust everything doctors say unfortunately. I had a pulmonologist tell me GI issues can't cause breathing problems, yet there are hundred of studies that it does. So my advice, which I have trouble doing myself, is persistance . I have been so let down by doctors brushing things off, and questioning the severity of my symptoms. I have had head gashes, concussions, pneumonia, drill bits through my hands. None of those compare or bothered me. My symptoms now are out of this world disrupting to daily life.

I think breathing issues are rare, and will I am still trying to figure out if my breathing is related to hernia or GERD, the more I learn the more I believe it is possible, although could have been triggered by a virus.

I am 48, am 128 lbs and 5' 9" (used to be 155lb). I have always been an athlete, play sports and generally healthy. This April starting having breathing issues that hit me like a truck. Prior I had very occasional regurg, like once or twice a year. I ate pretty much whatever I wanted, although I mostly had a very healthy diet. Never had a lot of heartburn and still don't. I have a small hiatal hernia discovered about 5 years ago, which never gave me symptoms. Every doctor says it is still too small to cause problems and GERD (based on a recent Bravo and endoscopy). But I went from 0 to 100 in two weeks this April. Now every day I have symptoms, but some days are better than others, but usually by the end of day is worse. I lost 25 lbs in a matter of weeks and haven't put it back on because I am eating like a bird. Symptoms are bad, breathing difficulties, burping, area under my lower ribs feels like being squeezed like vice and or an expanding balloon, nausea. It is crazy. It is out of nowhere. I am still in the process of trying to figure out if it is the hernia, GERD, or something else.