this is what my Speech therapist, ENT, neuro and gastro docs taught me to do to help with this (and yes, it is scary, freaks people out and just palin sucks).

Do not sleep on back - try preventing this by slipping a tennis ball in a pocket sewn on back of jammies or use pillows to prevent you from rolling over on your back while asleep. Side or face down sleeping helps anatomically prevent saliva choking while relaxed/sleeping.

prop up head and shoulders while sleeping (I use 2 latex pillows, others prop up the bed frame or mattress). *Make sure not to just elevate your head

Do not brush your teeth or use mouthwash just before bed, as that alone causes saliva to temporarily increase. I do my teeth right after supper and go to bed a few hours later to prevent this "wetter mouth" issue

do not eat or drink if fatigues/tired/talking/not paying attention to the fact you are drinking or eating (sounds like a small thing but actually is a big deal)

tip your chin towards your chest as you eat or drink to help make sure it goes down the correct pipe (and that the wind pipe is 'sealed off'). If you lean forward a bit it also helps greatly.

sit up wicked straight &/or use a toss pillow behind your back while eat/drinking - this makes a big difference, as it holds you up tall and a bit forward!

I also have learned that I cannot be sleepy, distracted or on auto-pilot when eating or drinking. By this I mean I cannot read & drink some coffee or watch a movie & mindlessly grab a drink - I have to consciously stop and then drink, then go back to video/book, etc.

If you choke/goes down wrong pipe: lean forward from your waist while straightening back/spine and calm down. Coughing helps; back blows can sometimes help & sometimes make it much worse. For food stuck part way down: sometimes eating another bite or drinking will help push it down (but could be a big problem if food/pill is 100% lodged, so be careful -you will learn what works & when)

As long as you can make noise or cough: try to explain to friends/coworkers that while scary they should let you alone. "Helping" you can make it much worse or distract you from being able to relax and cough it up.

As odd as it sounds, I have grown used to choking. Learning to stay calm, knowing it should get better has helped most of all. My body doesn't spasm as badly which helps me dislodge or cough it all out.

Have your friend/spouse etc know the proper heimlich technique. You need to learn the "I'm choking" sign {grasp throat area with both hands}. If you cannot speak and are in danger - call 911. Even if you cannot talk to dispatcher - they will show up (do not hang up phone just because you cannot talk)

Good luck and know you are not alone *sorry so long but hope one or more tips may help, especially until you can get to medical help