I've had the same thing!! And yes, it's mainly when I'm sitting (especially at an angle), and ESPECIALLY when I'm laying down. Sometimes the little ''rice krispies''-like sound wakes me up in the middle of the night. However, it doesn't happen when I'm breathing, it just RANDOMLY happens throughout different periods of the day...and it's NOT just after I've eaten something. I don't get any heartburn, or other common symptoms that someone with acid reflux would get, so I'm baffled as to what this is. I'm not a smoker, don't have troubles breathing, etc. Ugh - soooo frustrating! Can anyone help me out there!
I have problem with swallowing pills and experience most of the symptoms you described. Difficulty swallowing water as it tends to backup into my nose...same for constant saliva in my throat. My voice got more hoarse (I do have reflux problem too). I awake in middle of the night with extremely dry mouth and coughing. I am on several prescription meds and I learned that can cause the problem. If you take meds this can bring it on after a few years...