Aspiration Pneumonia

[K8chris]

My friend, 75, was diagnosed recently with MSA. Diagnosis took weeks despite a long history of orthostatic blood pressure and swallowing problems. He was moved into a local rehab hospital 6 weeks ago with the aim of getting him wheelchair mobile. However, he keeps getting aspiration pneumonia. He is PEG fed, allowed only small sips of water. Must sit up in bed. He has twice daily nebulisers but always sounds a bit chesty. Any advice on how to prevent this frequent occurrence of aspiration? Has anyone any thoughts on the nutrition he receives? Currently vanilla fortisips. Thank you.

[SilentEchoes]

Tucking the chin when drinking helps protect the airway. Unfortunately a person can aspirate saliva too. There is no real way to prevent this - it's the progression of the disease.

SE

[esj20]

I too have aspiration problems, speach and lanuage therapists have given me help with food etc but i see you metioned PEG. i use a swallowing app with alerts me to swallow my saliva.

hope this helps

[K8chris in reply to esj20]

Thank you