I am told that because the nerve has become hypersensitive , reflux or allergies that normally wouldn’t affect you causes the irritation that triggers the cough. I did the barium swallow and know that I have a very mild case of reflux as well as allergies. Acid seems to be a trigger as well. When both the reflux and allergies are managed well, it does reduce my cough but not eliminate it. I ALWAYS cough with my first bite of food. It is the exact location of a sore throat I had at the onset of mono. It is on my left side of my throat and the food causes an immediate tickle. It is definitely life altering. I even fear going to the dentist now for fear I have a coughing jag.