What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Tickling Sensation In Throat?

My Dad is 85 years old. He is in pretty good health. He gets a tickle in his throat that makes him cough and he can t stop. I worry when this happens because his face gets beet red and he is out of breath. He hasn t taken anything for this and I don t think he has asked his dr and don t think he will. Do you have any suggestions? I really would appreciate any ideas you might have. Thank you