русский => английский Медицина Медицина (в целом) Physiology

Does anyone know the exact meaning of 'поперхиваться'? I think that 'перхать' is slang for 'to spit' so, given the context, could it mean excess saliva?

[Name and age excluded], с-м Дауна, серьезные трудности с кормлением, поперхивается, частые пневмонии, трудности с развитием речи.

This is a case study from a seminar. It is in its entirety so there is no more context.

The document is a report on child support and fostering. It is intended for a US audience.