I have had acid reflux for several years, and have modified my diet, raised the head of my bed, and alleviated it most of the time. Every week or two, at the beginning of an evening meal, I get a "bubble" of mucous in my throat where food and drink stop. Sometimes hiccups. To clear it I have to force it up, like upper-level vomiting except it's mostly clear mucous. Last week I couldn't force it up and aspirated phlegm and could not breathe, requiring assistance. It's happened with rice, pasta, hamburger -- and I'm beginning to be afraid of eating!