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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Chest infection advise please.
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Chest infection advise please.
by motheroftwo, Nov 09, 2004 12:00AM
I am posting this on behalf of a friend who has ALS.
I am currently suffering yet another chest infection, which I'm sure are caused by silent aspirations of my own saliva. I try to keep secretions minimised by drugs atropine, patches and antripylene but I feel I have built up a tolerence. I think the next steps are pic driver with robinol, botox or radiation.
Annoyingly, I feel my lungs contain fluid and as my cough is poor only occasionally can I bring something up which closely resembles bostik glue but thinner, this sometimes lodges in the throat which is distressing.
also reducing saliva often thickens phlegm, especially when one has an infection although it occurs spontaneously too
I firmly believe careful management of saliva will prolong life and would be interested in advice on this matter from both sufferers and professionals. Perhaps including drugs, postures, elevation when sleeping, mechanical aids, remedies and tips.
Thanks in advance
I am currently suffering yet another chest infection, which I'm sure are caused by silent aspirations of my own saliva. I try to keep secretions minimised by drugs atropine, patches and antripylene but I feel I have built up a tolerence. I think the next steps are pic driver with robinol, botox or radiation.
Annoyingly, I feel my lungs contain fluid and as my cough is poor only occasionally can I bring something up which closely resembles bostik glue but thinner, this sometimes lodges in the throat which is distressing.
also reducing saliva often thickens phlegm, especially when one has an infection although it occurs spontaneously too
I firmly believe careful management of saliva will prolong life and would be interested in advice on this matter from both sufferers and professionals. Perhaps including drugs, postures, elevation when sleeping, mechanical aids, remedies and tips.
Thanks in advance
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Nov 16, 2004 12:00AM
Sorry for the delay in responding. I have been trying to speak with our ALS expert about your question, but have been unsuccessful. In addition to the medical regimen you are currently using, you could try the Robinul, or a medication such as Zyrtec which is an anti-histamine. I am not familar with using botox or radiation, but these are designed to decrease the function of the salivary glands. Chest physical therapy with a therapist or a pneumatic vest may also help to loosen secretions and make them easier to clear. Also if you are having difficulty breathing at night CPAP or BIPAP can be used to assist your breathing. These devices force air into the lungs to assist with breathing. In the process of doing this they also dry out the oral passages, due to the dry air. I will continue to try and catch our ALS expert and ask him your question. If he has any additional thoughts I will add another comment. I would encourage you to have an evaluation at an ALS center (typically located at academic centers) they will be able to perform a multi-disciplinary evaluation and make all the proper recommendations for you. Good luck.
