Saliva problems

[SarahWP]

Hi all

I’m sure this has been asked before so apologies for the repetition, but I’m having trouble with my saliva at the moment. It’s thick and excessive and I have trouble swallowing it. It’s interfering with my breathing and making me feel quite sick. I’m on Carbocistein and whilst it seemed to work initially, it now isn’t.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Hope you’re all staying safe.

Sarah

[Ellie]

Hi Sarah,

You may need to up the dose of the carbocisteine for it to be effective - often meds need +/- titration over time - ask your GP/nurse.

Other things which may help are: (I am quite sure there are other options too!)

Make sure you’re well hydrated, and that means 1800+ml water daily, which is the 'easiest' to do.
Take pineapple or papaya juice - through the feeding tube is fine, it’s their enzymes you want, not their lubrication.
Guaifenesin, but check with your GP first.
A suction machine to get rid of the secretions orally - meaning you don’t need to swallow them - but the thinner they are, the easier to extract.

Best of luck with reducing the viscosity of the secretions.

Wales is being particularly hammered by Covid-19 deaths for its population size, very sad and scary to hear - is it because of a large ex-mining workforce or why?

Stay safe, yourself & Sue, family & friends.

Love Ellie.

[SarahWP]

I might have known you’d have excellent advice! :-)

I was in touch with my MND clinic today and they suggested increasing my Carbocistein dose and has already been in touch with my GP. They also suggested increasing my water intake so I’m on that already. And we’ve managed to book a Tesco click and collect order for Monday (Sue’s nephew will collect it for us) so I’ve added pineapple juice. Thank you!

Yeah it’s not great in Wales - they don’t seem to know why. Bloody scary. I’ve been quite anxious.

How are things in Ireland? Sending much love to you and your clan too. And thanks again for the tips.

love
Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,

You may need to up the dose of the carbocisteine for it to be effective - often meds need +/- titration over time - ask your GP/nurse.

Other things which may help are: (I am quite sure there are other options too!)

Make sure you’re well hydrated, and that means 1800+ml water daily, which is the 'easiest' to do.
Take pineapple or papaya juice - through the feeding tube is fine, it’s their enzymes you want, not their lubrication.
Guaifenesin, but check with your GP first.
A suction machine to get rid of the secretions orally - meaning you don’t need to swallow them - but the thinner they are, the easier to extract.

Best of luck with reducing the viscosity of the secretions.

Wales is being particularly hammered by Covid-19 deaths for its population size, very sad and scary to hear - is it because of a large ex-mining workforce or why?

Stay safe, yourself & Sue, family & friends.

Love Ellie.

[Ellie]

Hopefully the increased Carbocisteine will help, as well as the extra water - I know it's hard to take in at least 1800ml because what goes in must come out but personally, I find taking lots of water works well for me.

Yes, Covid-19 is truly scary. I am worried about Wales - our population is 50% greater than Wales but you've 20% more deaths than we have (so far)

Stay safe and make sure the shopping is wiped before putting it away, then more hand washing!!

Love Ellie.