Coughing

[Ginger1]

Does anyone have problems when initially lying down in bed with coughing? I can only sleep on my side so I don't know if it's my wind pipe easing/settling down/relaxing due to cerebellar ataxia or perhaps cervical dystonia? Is this normal? Thanks

[neta]

I don't know this, I have coughing if i drink something cold and fast- but who knows?? xxx N-

[Ginger1 in reply to neta]

Thanks Neta. I use a straw whilst drinking & I find this helps me x hope ur bearing up

[neta in reply to Ginger1]

I will try this thanx N

[Kazkaz]

Hi my husband has cerebellar ataxia and is registered blind and has profound hearing loss. He has been coughing for the last few weeks so perhaps it is connected to this horrible illness. He is also sometimes choking when drinking.

[Ginger1 in reply to Kazkaz]

Thank you for your reply. I also choke while drinking & have found using a straw helps me 🤗

[Staggy1]

I had to reach for a Strepsil lozenge last night because I got a fit a tickly throat after I had layed down to sleep - I put down to my CA???

[Ginger1 in reply to Staggy1]

Thanks for your reply. it's not nice. Hope the lozenge helped 🤗

[pammyann]

Diagnosed with SCA6 a year ago, now aged 71. Coughing bouts mainly when eating and drinking, but no trouble when lying in bed.

[Ginger1]

Hi pammyann

I too have problems choking/coughing with eating & drinking. I eat only soft/moist food, take small bites & chew well. I have found using a straw helps me whilst drinking . BTW I'm 47 years old.

Just thought someone may have problems with lying down also.

Thank you for your reply 🤗

[maber in reply to Ginger1]

i am 50 yrs old and I don't know what ataxia I have yet , but when I lay on my back I feel as if my windpipe collapses and I have trouble swallowing and a bit of breathing , I hope this helps ?

[Ginger1 in reply to maber]

Thank you for your reply 🤗

[february]

I have coughing fits frequently. I talked with my neurologist and he said, except when drinking a liquid (like water), it's not a common symptom of ataxia. I saw an ENT doctor (ear, nose and throat), as my neurologist thought I might have vocal cord polyps. I didn't and the ENT thought it might be from acid reflux (which I do have). I even tried a nose spray for possible allergies and drainage, but that didn't help. Therefore, I take an over the counter acid reducer and this has helped a bit! I still blame all this (acid reflux and coughing fits) on my ataxia, but please don't tell my neurologis, as he's the expertt...,ha! Also, the ENT advised small meals and not to eat anything for at least three hours before bedtime, which has also helped!. Sometimes I do start coughing when I lie down. Chewing gum (only while sitting up, of course, calms things down for me also (a lot of trial and error...,ha!). My best to you all..., ;o)

[Ginger1 in reply to february]

Thanks for the reply. I had a feeling it may be down to my ataxia. I do have coughing bouts generally when sitting. I get a tickle in my throat. I'll try the gum & see if it works for me 🤗

[FFNick]

My advice is talk to a Speech Therapist via your GP. Speech Therapist is misnomer. All her advice I have done and comes from her. Some of it I was already doing.

Raise the head end of your bed. Placing cushions under mattress worked for me.

Lie on your side drains your throat. (also stops snoring)

Drink warm fluids only. Never cold, never iced. Avoid full fat cow's milk in tea, due to its fat content. Skimmed or semi-skimmed cow's milk.

Use a big wide mouthed vessels to drink from. eg pint glass, 1.5 pint mug

Gagging and coughing may be to saliva getting too thick. Drink more.

Straw. Non return valve straws are out there, but jet of fluid hitting back of throat may cause gagging.

Speech Therapist will give you foodstuff suggestions. Moist easily chewed foods are favoured. Smaller bites. smaller mouthfuls

HTH

[Ginger1]

Thanks for the reply & sound advice. as with yourself a lot of it I do anyway. I will try raising head end & see if that helps 🤗

[Driven1]

What does your doctor say?

[Ginger1 in reply to Driven1]

I haven't mentioned yet. I was awaiting responses firstly.