text: my 8 year old granddaughter coughs after eating a meal..she doesn't cough any other time..any ideas why?   is is immediately after the meal?  it could be reflux.  that would make her cough.  if her throat feels like it is burning and it feels like food coming back up into throat then it is most likely reflux.  i would take her to doctor and they can either give her medicine or suggest other alternatives.  in the meantime, try having her eat smaller portions and sitting or standing (as long as she doesn't lay down) up for about 30 minutes.  longer if she can.