We have had paramedics out tonight as les choked and passed out while eating , he strongly denies passing out and was quit angry that I called 999 but he was out of it and dribbling so I made the call, anyway the crew came and assessed Les and said everything was good except for a crackle in his lower lungs and a respiratory rate of 26-36 rep per minute , I don’t know much about what this rate should be but I’ve looked it up and this does seem quite high, they have left now and said follow up with doc in morning but I’m now worried that this rep rate and the fluid on lung is due to aspiration. Anyone have any advice on this ?
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DeeMilo25
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Hi. So sorry this is happening. I remember more than one occasion when this happened with my wife. It does need following up with your doctor or consultant because aspiration easily leads to pneumonia. Perhaps ask for a swallow test where they take a video x-ray while swallowing a liquid.
Adrienne had a check-up with doc a couple of weeks ago and he was surprised to hear crackling on her lungs. I mentioned aspiration. He gave her a course of antibiotics to clear it.
One of the big issues with MSA Is swallowing difficulties, which can result in "it going down the wrong hole" .
This could then lead to a lung infection ( aspiration pneumonia) If this is not treated then we are into double pneumonia and pleurisy!!!
Crackling on the chest could be a sign of a lung infection and is best sorted by visiting the doctor who may prescribe antibiotics to counter the infection.
Keep and eye on the breathing and temperature and if they go delirious dial 999.
The problem with MSA is you have to educate the medical professionals because it's so rare.Use the MSA trust leaflets as it explains things well.
I usually start with do you know what multiple system Atrophy is? They usually say they are not familiar.. then I say you've heard of Parkinson's and you know it's part of the brain not working that controls the muscles. MSA is a Parkinson's that effects the 3 nerve systems. Muscle, sensory and automnic. And so on...
Hi, is Les under a hospice ? My friends GP was exactly the same until I had her referred. Now though and I will say after the hospice gave her GP a few strong words, they send someone each time she needs it. Good luck x
We now use a cough assist machine which keeps lungs exercised and clear. See if you can get one we use it twice a day. Since then we have avoided crackles!
We are based in Ireland, but our local hospice have recently provided both Cough Assist & Suction Machine for my wife as she also has these difficulties. Hospice physio set it up and trained me in how to use both.
it was provided. We went through hospital when admitted for chest infection through the physiotherapist. Your salt team could probably help. We are under Southampton hospital for the cough assist so more appointments but they do those over the phone. Deffo get one, amazing!
Thank you all. We have a SLT appointment in a couple of weeks time, so we’ll talk to them about it then. Yiu just get used to dealing with one problem when this horrid condition chucks you another curve ball. I hope everyone is bearing up ok. Take care everyone. Xx
Hiya please ask his gp to send him to to ear nose and throat for Vocal cord paresis, also known as recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis or vocal fold paralysis, is an injury to one or both recurrent laryngeal nerves. This is what my partner had . It’s with checking out as can cause chocking.and other problems
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Hello - new here
Dad is left alone on a ward, unable to communicate and we can't accompany him and we've been told no visits allowed. HELP please
Breathing/sleep issues 
Going Downhill
Msa 7 months on
