Sudden onset of extreme GERD triggered by vaporizer usage?

I had severe anxiety/GERD starting about eight years ago that I thought was completely managed by diet and lifestyle changes. I have not had symptoms or taken medications for around four years. However, about three weeks ago I had a very strange experience, and I am wondering if my symptoms match with GERD returning.

I use a vaporizer on a daily basis, and it has never been a problem. However, three weeks ago I used it and I was suddenly very short of breath, to the point where I very nearly went to the emergency room. I gave myself several hours, since the symptoms were similar to a panic attack, before I realized that there was something very strange going on. When I was mindful and took a deep breath, I could tell that I was getting the air I needed, but I still couldn't sleep at all due to the sensation that my throat was closing in. I went to a walk-in clinic the next morning, and got a shrug from the doctor, so I decided to skip work and try to sleep it off.

The extreme shortness of breath lasted two full days, and I found that I could barely sleep or eat. After that, the discomfort shifted into my chest (a combination of burning pain and pressure), near my heart, and into my lungs. It was as if there was an obstruction there. after about a week, I felt something physically shift lower, down below my rib cage. I had a nasty stomach ache for a few hours, and after that the pain became far less severe, and I was able to eat again.

With that pain mostly gone, I started noticing my throat more. It still felt constricted and dry, and as if someone had chopped a few inches off so it was too short. I finally got into my doctor after two weeks, and she gave me a Pink Lady (lidocaine and a few other ingredients), which gave some temporary relief. She also gave me a rabeprazole prescription, which I have been taking for five days.

The symptoms are still there, particularly the throat dryness/constriction, but far less severe. I am wondering if it is normal for GERD to come up suddenly like this and lead to severe symptoms over such a long period of time, or if I am chasing the wrong diagnosis.

I have an intolerance to nightshades, but I have been avoiding those for months. What's strange to me is that I am eating far, far more healthy than I ever have in my life, now that I can't have my favorites like pizza and potato chips.

I had an EKG when my symptoms first came up, drank some barium, and had all sorts of blood test. They have always come back clear. However, I am planning to ask my doctor about a scope if my symptoms don't go away after a few weeks of rabeprazole.

The vaporizer had marijuana in it. I have stopped using it because it is (at the very least) an aggravating factor, and smoking in general makes GERD worse. I don't expect I will use it again until I am clear of symptoms for several weeks.

The journal is an excellent idea. I will be making an appointment with a dietician soon to discuss my food intolerance and will take it in to that appointment.

Thank you for the advice!