You ever get checked out for like diaphragm/esophageal issues? My family has a history of hiatal hernias which is essentially like your diaphragm tightening over the top of your stomach, so food gets stuck in the pipes and burns regardless of what it is. It can go 'in and out of phase' for weeks at a time, kind of like what you're describing (and the hungrier thing also tracks):
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&sour...62116376789847
"Sliding hiatal hernias are common, especially in smokers"
It seems like there are half a dozen very similar afflictions that I've come across too, fwiw.