Baby choking at night

Wanted to see if any moms have had this experience. My baby has woken up a total of three times since she was born sounding like she’s choking. It sounds like she has spit up and can’t breathe (I know she can breathe bc she’s coughing) but she also seems to be short of breath when this happens. Is this just reflux rearing it’s head on occasion? Any others have this happen? After a few seconds of me holding her upright and patting her back she is fine. Definitely alarming.