Hmm this has given me a lot to think about. I also started drinking coffee a few years ago around the same time my symptoms started. And I eat a small piece of dark chocolate daily in a smoothie.

Interestingly I eating very little grains for a couple of years before this started. I would not say I was full paleo, definitely I would cheat, but minimal consumption of grains. My body responded very well to having no gluten, I rapidly lost body fat and was in the best shape of my life. I wonder if cutting out the grain then bringing it back had a negative effect or possibly like increased my sensitivity to gluten.

I may try and fast or only eat meat and fruits and vegetables for a few days and see if i notice improvement. I could then slowly bring some things back and see if I notice a reaction.

I was a smoker which does concern me, but again I saw a pulmonologist he said my heart size was good and he didn't see anything in a chest xray. I do not think it is my lungs. I can breathe fine and my blood oxygen levels are fine. It really seems to be my esophagus, or anxiety, or both. I exercise almost daily.