Oh wonderful about the doctor! And yes, self educate and be the detective for yourself!…..it’s really all kind of fascinating and like a jig saw puzzle !…….the carbonation for me acted like a “rotar rooter” on my pipes, if you will, and cut all the phlegm in my throat which was part of the inflammation. And when it’s cold all the better for me as it shrinks what is swollen….again inflammation. The list of inflammatory foods are often different ….actually they are all differnt but will give you a starting place w the agreed upon safest foods. I have had my thyroid out and adenoids so the space in my throat is wide open. Before I went on my elimination diet, I would choke a lot and cough a lot….and I was very glad the thyroid and adenoids and tonsils were not there as I can actually imagine what that would feel like . To that end keep your sinuses open and I use Simply Saline spray by Arm and Hammar….the day and nightime, versions…..the salt spray of them dripping down the throat can help a lot w calming the throat. Also you might try boiling water and putting your head over it ….good old fashioned medicine that still works. Also Epsom Salt baths to relax your muscles everywhere. I do take Effexor time released for anxiety and that keeps anxiety in check 24/7 and anxiety disorders are often comorbid conditions w MCAS. I would take a look at that on line too…Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Very common in families esp the women and often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed!….this is not depression ….it’s a genetic condition . I have 5 members of one side of my family on the same meds in 3 different countries!! Check it out! And I will be anxious to hear how you are doing!! I’m cheering for you!!