My doctor recently diagnosed my air hunger as stemming from a hiatal hernia. I'd like to list my symptoms, and if it sounds similar to yours, read on to the suggestions that have helped me.

A) Frequent "air hunger" and yawning to get air.
B) Particularly bad after eating a large meal
C) Particularly bad after exercising after a meal
D) frequent burping (does help make breathing marginally better)
E) lots of bloating and gas
F) Occasional reflux
G) Unable to breathe through diaphram
H) Genetic (My mother suffers similarly)
I) Worse when lying down after meals
J) Worse when under stress.
K) Gets better and worse over periods of time. (Recently had a really bad 6 weeks spell)

Suggestions:
A) Don't eat big meals - eat smaller meals more often
B) Don't eat late at night, and don't lie down after meals
C) Don't exercize for 2 hours after eating a meal.
D) Don't lift heavy objects - it worsens the hernia condition
E) If nothing helps, consider surgery.

There are natural herbs and stuff that some say is helpful for heartburn and the like. It may or may not help a hiatal hernia. The web should have resources on the more "natural" route.

These have helped me considerably, especially the bit about smaller meals. Hope it helps you!

-Alan