CBD and coughing

[maxandpoppy]

My husband Alan is bed bound and mainly immobile. He is sleeping around 18 hours in 24.He is troubled by coughing both whilst eating and drinking and sleeping. I have started using thickeners in drinks and not lying him too flat when sleeping. Any other recommendations or medications that can help?

[binnyrox]

It happened to me and I was diagnosed as aspirating my food and drinks despite the thickeners. That led to pneumonia- was warded a few times

You may wish to have a speech therapist assess his swallowing. Finally I decided to go the tube feeding way via a PEG. It was a game changer. I put on weight and now just indulge in “ pleasure” eating. Just a few bites orally and rely on the tube for proper nutrition

Hope this helps

[maxandpoppy in reply to binnyrox]

Thank you binnyrox. Advised against PEG by neuro nurse - Alan at quite advanced stage and has previously expressed wish for nothing to prolong life. We are taking food and drink in v slowly - another stage to accommodate to. Can anyone tell me about atropine for coughing and phlegm?;

[binnyrox in reply to maxandpoppy]

Yes I am on atropine drops. A couple of drops 4 times a day under the tongue does the trick I make sure the mouth is wiped dry before applying otherwise it’s ineffective when diluted with saliva

Both the ENT and speech therapist recommend tucking the chin a little downwards when swallowing

This allows a delay for the passage of food/fluid and hopefully a better chance of it going down the right way

Try not feeding in bed or if not possible - tilt bed to sitting as far as he can. Sitting would be best

Give a rest between spoons as the muscles tire quickly with disease progression

And I was told no distractions eg TV , talking when feeding

Hope this helps , my best regards

[binnyrox]

Did you catch the recent post on using a suction machine ? I responded to a question

It’s a good idea to clear the phlegm till the chest is “dry”. Otherwise infection tends to sets in. These sets are usually available for loan, rent or sale

Here it is the copy if it helps

“Hi Apart from the DeVilbiss suction machine - our respiratory therapist advised choosing a softer catheter - it will be less traumatic while still providing high suctioning efficiency.

I use Sz 14 and it generally does the job with thick phlegm

If you aren’t very experienced (I wasn’t ) the RT also recommend placing an airway guide to steer the catheter in. That was a good tip”

[maxandpoppy in reply to binnyrox]

That's all REALLY helpful. Thank you so much. Very best wishes. Sheila

[LuisRodicioRodicio]

Hi maxandpoppy!

These are our experiences hoping could be useful.

• Persistent cough. Use the syrup recommended by the physician. To avoid in the diet: coffee, carbonated beverages as pop or soda (or eliminate the gas by agitation before giving it to the patient) as well as chocolate, avoiding also orange, lemon or grapefruit juice, helps.

In acute attacks of cough taking some yogurt or honey can help.

We switched to a pine and propolis syrup (ProtectSapin) from the health food store that seemed to help a bit.”

The “easterncedar” chat contributor indicates that: “The medicine in most cough syrups conflicts with the anti anxiety medication”.

Hug and luck.

Luis

[maxandpoppy]

Thank you for this advice Luis. Very best wishes Sheila