Last May 2021 my mother lost the ability to swallow due to a mini stroke. She then was fitted with a feeding tube in her stomach which she has adapted to very well but we have an issue with saliva in her mouth. She takes very little through the mouth other than the pleasure items like sherbet, ice cream, and jello . She refuses to spit out the saliva and it's difficult it makes her cough and strangle. Why is she doing this? What can I do to minimize it? How can I remove it? Why is she doing this? I've tried baby nasal syringes and she doesn't want to unclench her Jaws to let it in. Help
If you do have to suction, ask one of your mother's physicians, probably the one who diagnosed the stroke and/or is treating her for it, if home speech therapy can be ordered to show you how to suction properly. A nurse could also demonstrate this.
Another issue to raise is whether exercises, such as the Shaker exercises, could be helpful. My father did these to recover from his dysphagia and regain the use of his swallowing muscles. Initially I did them with him, but was advised by our speech therapist that I should NOT do them since I didn't have a swallowing disorder, and the exercises could affect me negatively.
Another issue to raise is something that might dry up the secretions. Dad was treated with scopolamine patches, but I don't recall if it was specifically to reduce secretions or to dry them up, but both options would be helpful.
To stimulate her taste sensations for pleasure, avoid excess liquids. The extra liquids will cause her to have issues with coughing. Instead get glycerin swabs which are like huge q-tips that are slightly sweet. Some have different flavors.
Try to find somebody to rent you a suction set-up on a trial basis, reather tham buying outright.
I would contact her MD and request a home health nurse visit for hands on oral hygiene education. They can reassess mom’s situation, clarify questions and bring the proper daily supplies required to help keep mom both safe and comfortable.
If using swabs do not go back into the throat as that can cause a gag reflex.
She can not swallow and with dementia she may not “know” or understand how to spit.
When my Husband was on Hospice the nurse had the doctor prescribe drops that were supposed to help dry secretions. (Off label use of an eye drop called Atropine) they worked a little but I generally used a swab or rolled him to his side.
There is also a contraption that will suck it out of her mouth, but you have to be able to get the mouth piece at least inside her cheek. Good luck.
If she has forgotten how to swallow that is why the build up. Her body doesn't automatically do the necessary things any longer.
Best of luck.
My mom also had a stroke and feeding tube etc - she was weaned off and fully eats but anytime she has an infections/dehydration it affects her cognitively and she has sometimes had this same secretion build up as well as not swallowing string enough and I have to change her diet until her infection is gone.
Just letting you know if it seems like a sudden increase then make sure to rule out infection.
I know there are meds available to help dry oral secretions.
Contact her doctor for help.
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