Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is the presence of systemic atherosclerosis in arteries distal to the arch of the aorta. As a result of the atherosclerotic process, patients with PVD develop narrowing of these arteries.
Whether your shortness of breath is related strictly to GERD or is due to GERD-related asthma, there are small steps you can take to prevent and treat it. Often, the most effective steps to prevent GERD involve making some lifestyle changes.
Here are some signs and symptoms of GERD: 1  Heartburn (sometimes called acid indigestion). This is the most common symptom. 2  Wheezing and coughing. This can happen when acid travels backward up into the throat and then spills over into the windpipe and down into the lungs. 3  Burping or belching.