Even when my husband sleeps with his head raised he "gurgles" with mucus in his throat. Our physician suggested he take Mucinex twice a day. Sometimes this works and other times it does not. Any suggestions?

Our neurologist prescribed off-label dosing of 1800mg guaifenisin (Mucinex), twice daily. We also used 10mg loratadine (generic, OTC Claritin). And OTC Delsym cough syrup that contains DM. The combo worked reasonably well but nothing eliminated the mucus entirely.

Good idea to raise the head of the bed.

I will pass your "recipe" by our new neurologist in Bend, Oregon, where we moved last September from Lexington, MA.

Others on this Forum (or another one I frequent) have pointed out that some foods cause the production of mucus. Dairy products apparently do this.

Also, a presumably non-neurodegenerated friend who gets colds a lot with chest congestion uses three approaches: a "neti pot," placing the face/head over a bowl of hot water with a towel on her head, and a humidifier. Don't know if any of those work for your husband.

Just a curious thing that has happened with my husband. He has had consistent asthma and allergic rhinitis since childhood. Has been on albuterol and decongestants since I've known him. Since his surgery and the worsening of his LBD, all of that has disappeared, no more wheezing, no more stuffy nose. Can't help but wonder if one of his new medicines has alleviated that, or maybe just that he has been inside. Wierd!

so I'm wondering what your husband's "new" medications are..
mmc

Between setting up a humidifer in the bedroom and adding what you suggested, my husband is not keeping me awake with the gurgling.
Our physician told me that because there are so many muscles involved in swallowing, he can no longer handle the natural secretions.
Thank you, mm

Glad you've seen a bit of improvement.

It's very sad when our loved one's ability to swallow even his/her own saliva starts to degrade.

My Dad does that too when he sleeps-I can hear the
moist respirations and fear pneumonia(aspiration) again.
He gets breathing treatments 4 times a day which are
supposed to help him cough it up. I am starting to have
him avoid alot of dairy as well. I try to remind him to
cough and deep breathe often. The deep breathing helps
him with his shortness of breath and sometimes the anxiety.
He used to drool alot, but It seems to have stopped lately.

Our neurologist suggested giving the Dear One a chewable Benedral when the mucus is triggered, either by a food, or just the LBD process. It does seem to help. mm

manymoons,
I think you'll want to avoid benadryl. It's anticholinergic, and this type of med should not be given to anyone with LBD. Side effects are: mental confusion and worsening motor problems. I'm thinking the MD doesn't know about LBD.....
Robin

My husband became VERY confused when I gave him benedryl for posion ivy. He ended up in the ER for hours, ativan has the same effect on him.

It was a well known neurologist who told us to try Benedryl for the bouts with mucus. We flucuate between the chewable one and Mucinex. Usually, the mucus starts when he has a cold drink.

Manymoons,
Again here is a perfect example with the issues with meds for LBD, everyone is so darned different and I guess if your husband can take it then that's ok but Benadryl is listed with the neuroleptic drugs that should not be taken on the LBDA website.

Irene,
First, I feel for you, I hear your pain when you talk about "maybe if you had not left your husband alone..." Please! think about all the good you did for him, all the endless hours that you gave him, and how you are able to help us now. Some times good has to be good enough, period.

I appreciate the time you all give to this forum.

You said that Benadryl is listed on the LBD website as a neuroleptic drug thqt should not be taken. How about Claritin (anti-histamine)? My Mother takes it for her allergies. I looked on the website but can't find it. Please advise. Thank you.
Pilar