alzheimer person

[alzheimer]

Hi. My mom has alzheimer, and has been on a feeding tube for around 3 months due to the fact that she slept a lot and we could not get her awake enough to feed her. The main issue we are having is she coughs up a white sticky mucus in her throat, and if my dad did not have a suctioning machine, would possibly have choked to death. Can you tell me what is possibly causing this mucus and how we may get rid of it before something bad happens.

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

It is sometimes difficult to determine the source of mucous.  Irritation from the feeding tube itself can cause it.  Also the normal clearing and then swallowing doesn’t work when one is seriously ill, especially when the person is not normally alert.   The only thing that can work is suctioning, gently and with a soft catheter.  Another thing that helps is frequent repositioning:  when lying in bed, turning from one side to another and sitting with varying degrees of elevation.  

If there are times when your Mom is alert you can vocally coach her to cough, an occasional hard cough from a deep breath some times and a short series (5-6) quick shallow coughs, 1-2 per second.  Finally, gently tapping her on the back, with her being in a variety of positions, can sometimes help.

I wish there were more to offer, but that is just about it.  Her doctors may have other suggestions.  One other thought is this.  Most good-sized hospitals have Respiratory Therapy Departments.  You might call the hospital where she has been hospitalized in the past.  All the larger, Oxygen and Medical Supply companies frequently provide home services.  Those individuals are often skilled in the management of mucous.  They could provide help on the phone or you might even want to arrange for a home visit to get hands-on instruction.

Good luck

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

Because of the holidays we are unable to answer your question at this time.
Please look for an answer to your question on or shortly after 1/2/12.
Thank you.