OMG Retifist-
I have the same problem. I try to stay as far away from balloons as possible. I cannot bear to ride in a car with them. Once I brought it up in front of a couple friends and they thought it was hiliarious so I never said anything about it again.
I think my phobia started when I was little, I was riding home from a birthday party with a car full of kids and a balloon popped in my face. It actually left a welt on my cheek where the balloon snapped.
If I see balloons Im usually ok if they are far away. But if they get too close or if someone intentionally tries to put one in my face my heart races uncontrollably and I freak.