Thick saliva : How do you deal with it - PSP Association

PSP Association

9,177 members11,302 posts

Thick saliva

Jpinckney2usmc profile image
7 Replies

How do you deal with it

Written by
Jpinckney2usmc profile image
Jpinckney2usmc
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
7 Replies
OllieFisher1 profile image
OllieFisher1

Cannot help, but I think there are probably some helpful posts in this thread - healthunlocked.com/psp/post...

We have used Atropine eye drop but on the tongue. And there is a patch to put behind the ear. Transdermal scopolamine is the name for patch. Both have been a big help. Your doctor can write the prescription for you. Best wishes!!

Purrlie profile image
Purrlie in reply to Stephanielayell82

We found that rinsing out the mouth with ice water helped my husband to spit out some saliva, just let it run out or help it along with a tissue. We also found that rinsing with pineapple juice and/or purple grape juice also thinned the saliva and made it easier for him to spit it out. Apparently there is an enzyme in pineapple and purple grape juice that breaks down thick saliva. His swallow reflex was so awful he had to spit out the liquids to avoid more choking and coughing episodes. Other folk have successfully used suction devices. As OllieFisher1 says, you will find many posts and suggestions. Hope this helpful. Wishing you all the best. Purrlie

Jpinckney2usmc profile image
Jpinckney2usmc in reply to Purrlie

Thanks

ncgardener799 profile image
ncgardener799

We use the atropine drops , under tongue . Use sparingly to start with as mouth can become very dry if over used which can make patient uncomfortable. Also, Dr has prescribed Guaifenesin 600 mg daily to help thin mucus, making it easier to cough up or swallow. Be sure to drink water or other fluids to help with moving mucus. The scolopmine patch is a good option also, but can cause contipation for some people. There is also the option of a suction machine if recommended by physician. My husband has same problem and I have a very difficult time with the uncomfortable sounds that occur due to the difficulty of swallowing saliva and mucus. Above suggestions provide some relief but symptoms are common with PSP may not totally resolve symptoms.

Jpinckney2usmc profile image
Jpinckney2usmc in reply to ncgardener799

Thanks

Hi Jpinckney2usmc!

These are our informations:

Dry mouth is a rare symptom in PSP, the opposite is normal. It is best to consult with the dentist. There are specific rinses without ethanol and specific medications about. Meanwhile it helps to drink water, suck on sugar-free candies, chew sugar-free gum. avoid caffeine, use humidifiers in the room and do not smoke.

"binnyrox"suggest for a dry mouth: “I was recommended Oral 7 by the speech therapist. I use the brand’s mouthwash and the oral spray. It helps. Before the Oral 7 - my wife would soak a gauze in cold water, squeezed dryish and give the whole mouth a few wipes - every few hours It does helps somewhat.”

“Perrywrinkle” suggest: We found sugar-free Werthers hard candy helps a lot.

Hug and luck.

Luis

You may also like...

Thick Saliva - Confused

Secretions and Saliva

used atropine then what is the maximum dose that you have administered? Also was anything else...

Trouble with thick phlegm

Antacid for excessive mucus/saliva/sputum

Botox injections for excessive saliva and dystonia