Agitation

[Codd_family]

Hi, mum is highly agitated and her ocd is getting that way too, she is saying things and being quite rude to me and siblings, ie calling us useless, her chest is becoming tight and chokes in the night, any advice please xxx

[Dadshelper]

I'd get her doctor involved, he may be able to prescribe something to calm her a bit.

Ron

[Codd_family in reply to Dadshelper]

Hi, she is on lorazepam 2mg xx

[raincitygirl]

Codd, is the choking because of aspirating saliva do you think? There have been a lot of strings in the past here about that, and certain medications that help reduce saliva. Do you have any other sense of what is causing the choking? Not sure what you mean when you say her chest is tight?

Anne G.

[LuisRodicioRodicio]

Hi Codd!

Phlegm and choking: The first thing is to remain calm during episodes of truly shocking coughs. The second is that a physician rules out an infection in the respiratory tract. (Fever is an indication usually either pneumonia or urinary tract infection (UTI) in PSP patients).

•It is not a big problem that the patient swallows his phlegm. For phlegm to be fluid, it is important to drink liquids. Steam inhalation from boiling waterin a bowl with a few drops of Eucalyptus essence and a small spoonful of Vicks Vaporub (Olbas Oil in U.K.) and a small spoonful of marine salt, with a towel covering head and bowl helps. (One to three times a day.) Medications like "Mucosan" (Ambroxol hydrochloride) twice a day or “Fluimicil Forte-600” (Acetilcisteine) one by day, help. Ask physician.

•In case of choking, raise both arms at shoulder height, breathe only through the nose intensely if posible. I not, inhale air intensely but not very fast through the mouth. Retain air a couple of seconds and then force the cough.

•There is a suction machine which helped a lot with the very sticky phlegm. We have NOT used it yet.

•A steam atomizer to keep the air in the room moist helped, too. (40% - 52% moist advisable.)

•The physiotherapists have exercises reinforcing trunk muscles to improve the cough response to choking.

•Avoid dairy products, especially before bedtime seems to avoid the increase in viscosity of phlegm.

Raising around 20º the head of the bed also helps.

Hug and luck.

Luis

[Codd_family in reply to LuisRodicioRodicio]

Wonderful advice, thank you 🙏 xxxxxx

[kenh1]

We are a lot further down the road having had an Ngtube fitted two years ago. As I was reading this post earlier having administered the medication and started the feed for the day my wife started to get such a build up of fluid. I did what I normally do. Stopped the feed, raised the head of the bed and quarter of an hour later all is well and now the feed is going well. Luis's advice is very sound. I would add that we have a nebuliser and Saline steripoules also helps clear the air ways.

[daddyt]

Hi,

I know all too well about the agitation. On of the doctors on my team is a neuropsychiatrist who has been able to help me manage the mood issues with medication. He is probably the best of the medical professionals to help with agitation concerns.

Tim xx

[Motts]

Try not to take her rude words to heart - it will help to remember this is a part of PSP - I know this is not easy . . . been there myself with my mom ears ago. . . Do YOUR BEST

Sending your whole family HUGS - Granni B