Dry Hacking Cough

[Siggie]

My Mom is 80 and she developed this dry hacking cough about 2 years ago, the Docs of course can't find out why. This cough has now escelated and she coughs whenever she eats or drinks and it sounds like she is choking. Does anyone have a clue what this could be?

Thanks
Sigrid

[National Jewish Health]

Difficulty swallowing is common in the elderly and is often accompanied by aspiration of swallowed liquids or solids, into the trachea, commonly called the wind-pipe.  These substances are very irritating to the airways and can cause bronchitis or pneumonia and almost always cause cough.  The sounds "like she is choking", strongly suggests this possibility.  Some swallowing disorders can be treated.  However some cannot so the placement of a feeding tube is required, either in the esophagus or directly into the stomach.

The swallowing dysfunction is often functional but can also be caused by anatomic abnormalities or a stroke.  You should ask her doctors to order a barium swallowing test.  Your Mom may also require direct examination of her upper gastrointestinal track with an instrument, by a gastrointestinal specialist.

Another possibility is that she is having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with reflux from her stomach into the esophagus.  Her doctors can examine her for this, along with the above.

Do not delay.

Good luck.

[Siggie]

Thank you so very much for taking the time to answer my concern. I will take your advise and schedule an appointment immediately for the above recommended tests.

Thank you again and God Bless.
Sigrid