Constant cough

[Kellsbelles]

Hello, just wondering if anyone can help. My dad hasn’t been unwell (as in cold or flu etc) but for the past few weeks he’s had a constant niggly cough. I’m just wondering if this is a symptom of PSP and if so, is there anything that can be done to help relieve it? He’s getting very irritated by it and it’s not helping his mood at all. Thank you all!

[Dadshelper]

There are many posts on the subject of constant coughing. The general consensus is that it's caused by a build up of mucus/phlegm. The swallowing ability is general affected in these diseases to some degree. Your dad is probably experiencing this symptom. Speak with his doctor about it. You can try over-the-counter cough medicines given before bed but this may or may not help.

Ron

[Kellsbelles in reply to Dadshelper]

Okay, sorry I’ve read up on it but only found information about coughing after eating but his is all the time! I just wasn’t sure if it was related. Okay, thank you. I will do.

[Dadshelper in reply to Kellsbelles]

Dad had a constant cough for a long time, more mid stage for him. In the latter portion the coughing stopped.

Ron

[SewBears in reply to Kellsbelles]

Hi, In hubby’s situation the coughing is usually at night when he’s lying down flat on his back. It helps if I turn him on his side or if I raise his head up a little bit. I’m thankful that he has an adjustable bed. Anyway, my point is that it is not always related to food or eating. I agree with Ron.

[Birdman34265]

Hi Kellsbelles, PSP patients must always be elevated when in bed or sitting

Coughing can be caused by lung infection or sticky saliva,PSP affects the saliva glands and can make it sticky and hard to shift when it is in the throat

Get him to open his mouth if his saliva is like looking at a cobweb,stringy

that could be the problem or a throat infection.there are ways to help sticky

saliva. Hope this helps ..Peter

[Kellsbelles in reply to Birdman34265]

Okay, I will check him when I go around today. He said he doesn’t feel sick so I’m guessing its most likely not an infection - but you never know! I’ll have to look at what to do about his bed as it’s not elevated either. Thanks for your help!

[Mamacass58 in reply to Kellsbelles]

See if his Medicare will pay for a hospital bed. They should.

[Birdman34265 in reply to Kellsbelles]

It probably best to have a hospital bed if you don't have one

[Kellsbelles in reply to Birdman34265]

Okay, I’ll have to ask and see who to go through for one. He had a rehabilitation person around today who has ordered him some rail grab bars, frames for getting around etc but they didn’t mention a new bed apparently (I couldn’t be there)

[Railfan]

If it is Saliva or Mucus causing the cough, many have had success with a suction machine to shift it, such as the type used by the dentist.

[rswiebe]

My dad uses a scopolamine patch behind his ear for his coughing (controls saliva). We have found that it has helped quite a bit.

[Kellsbelles in reply to rswiebe]

Oh that sounds good, I will need to get my dad to the gp to ask about them. I currently have the norovirus so having to stay away for a little bit! Thank you 🙏🏻