phlegm

My mother has Parkinson's disease. She is coughing more and more and bringing up a lot of clear phlemg. What is causing this and what can be done for it?

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Many people with Parkinson's disease do complain that they have a thick phlegm or mucus in the throat. Drinking more water, as well as drinking carbonated beverages or tea with lemon may help thin this phlegm. Eating or drinking dairy products can make phlegm worse. Also, if coughing and phlegm production is severe, you could also give her some over-the-counter cough medications.

Hope this helps.