Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) { or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) US } is where acid from the stomach is regurgitated back up the oesophagus, sometimes reaching the throat.
This causes coughing attacks from the burning sensation that is created, damage can occur to the lining of the oesophagus. There are many proprietary medicines to combat GORD, slippery elm powder can also be effective.