Coughing

[HOTRODS]

Just wondering if coughing and sometimes chocking while in a coughing fit could be related to SCA.

[Thomaslondon]

This is definitely the case for my husband. He has had physio, liquid thickeners and his swallowing analysed to combat this. Ask your OT for advice, ours has been fantastic.

Good luck.

[HOTRODS in reply to Thomaslondon]

Than you

[violasrbest]

Hi

I cough and choke sometimes (usually on cereal) and it's definitely connected to my Ataxia.

[HOTRODS in reply to violasrbest]

Thank you

[Litty]

Oh yes definitely. I choke regularly and connected to speech. I use thickener and it helps me. If I am having a coughing fit blowing my nose sometimes helps and when over I try to chew gum x

[HOTRODS in reply to Litty]

Yes

[february]

Although I don't have SCA (I have ataxia 20+ years due to Niemann Pick C disease). I was having problems with chronically coughing (for a few years) and sometimes choking. I had a chest X-ray, which was fine. Eventually, I saw a pulmonologist and underwent some testing, which was also fine. I have acid reflux and started taking Omeprazole (per my physician) and am so much better now! I'm also on a anti-depressant (for years now) and in my humble opinion, i think it helps me with the coughing now that I'm also taking Omeprazole. Of course, I'm no medical specialist, so I suggest you check with your physician/neurologist. My best to you..., ;o)

[FFNick]

My speech therapist (misnomer) does not know what causes my choking or gagging. I have learnt to breathe through my nose when my throat is out of action. Also not panicking because I can not breathe. Relaxing everything is where its at.

[ConfusedAtaxian]

Yes, mainly liquids cause it.

[daisyone]

Hi Hotrods! In reply to your q about choking....I have sca 6 and it happens to me regularly-even on a daily basis. I use kefir or yogurt for a thickener; sometimes lately i will choke on my own spit unexpectedly! Any kind of powder (mixed with liquid) or "gritty" food (like boiled russet potatoes) will trigger it. I have to be very aware of my body position and my head position when swallowing liquids-but it "gets" me sometimes anyway!

[HOTRODS in reply to daisyone]

Thank you so much.

[Marz]

Maybe helpful to read up on the Vagus Nerve - comes from the old part of the brain and is stimulated when gargling. Also low B12 can be connected to persistent coughing I have read. This too can affect nerves ...