Tickle in throat

[Mary C]

Anyone else suffer with a persistent tickle in their throat and dry coughing fits?If so any advise.Palliative care team think it’s MND related and suggest oramorph

[Ellie]

First thing to say is that I presume Covid has been ruled out.

That sounds like it could be ‘Post Nasal Drip’, Mary (aka upper airway cough syndrome) and is fairly common in ALS/MND.
It’s normal to swallow some of the mucus that’s made in your nose and sinuses without even realising it. But if the mucus becomes thicker or if there is more mucus than usual, you may get an ongoing cough and a tickle in your throat.

It’s often worse in wintertime due to central heating (dries the air) and cold weather, as both increase mucus production. Keep well hydrated and some people find using a nebuliser and/or a saline nasal spray lessens symptoms. Check also that allergens aren’t to blame either.

Decongestants might help too, but do ask your Doctor before using any.

Love Ellie.

[Mary C]

Hi Ellie ,I had an over the phone consultation with palliative care nurse and we went through lots of questions.No temperature, no loss of taste or smell, no upset stomach, no excess mucus .Its been coming on gradually for weeks.Very irritating as if I talk too much the tickle starts and the cough follows.Taken cough linctus as suggested by the nurse.Oramorph low dose to be prescribed and available Tuesday as It’s not urgent!As A I feel my breathing and voice are changing I will take the Oramorph but the nurse said she will follow me up once I start it.Also Ellie I want to thank you for how supportive you are to so many of us on here.All credit to you.Thankyou.Mary

[Ellie]

Aww, thank you for your kind words Mary, they mean a lot.

Just re Oramorph: it is notorious for causing constipation, which can quickly escalate into a big problem 😥 so people usually need to take laxatives. I am glad the nurse will keep an eye on you as it can depress respiratory function.

Happy Christmas.

Love Ellie.