I was taking an Alli pill right before I'd start eating my meal. Within 10 minutes, I'd start coughing. Sometimes, I'd have a lot of congestion even. This was really bugging me.
Then, I discovered something! First, I'd eat the meal. Then when I was 90% done and only had a few more spoonfuls to take, I'd then take my Alli pill. Wha-la! No more coughing!
So...if you are having a problem with coughing, I suggest you take Alli right when you meal is almost finished, rather than in the beginning.