Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Suggest Treatment To Minimize Choking In An Alzheimer S Patient
Hi My father has late stage Alzheimers ( minimal speech, cant walk, incontinence, bouts of rigidity etc.) He has now developed a tick or twitch and is no longer swallowing (saliva is pooling in the back of his mouth and he is choking). The choking has been continuous for 4 days and his Dr says there is nothing to be done with respect to the ticks (less of an issue for us) or his inability to swallow / choking. Do you have any suggestions on what we might ask the Doctor to recommend to prevent / minimize the choking. BTW - my father is in a government funded extended care facility. thanks!
Thu, 23 Jan 2020
Hello,
The swallowing reflex may be affected in advanced cases and that may be the reason for the symptoms.
Choking can cause aspiration of the foods to lungs and subsequently, adverse complications may happen.
The better option is to put a nasogastric tube for feeding purpose and thus choking and aspiration can be prevented.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Shinas Hussain, General & Family Physician
The swallowing reflex may be affected in advanced cases and that may be the reason for the symptoms.
Choking can cause aspiration of the foods to lungs and subsequently, adverse complications may happen.
The better option is to put a nasogastric tube for feeding purpose and thus choking and aspiration can be prevented.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Shinas Hussain, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....