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Is it common for your mouth to dry up and you have to swallow to keep talking?

Is it common when you have MS, that you can be talking then all the sudden it's like your mouth dries up and you have to swallow to keep talking? That's the best way I can explain it. I've just recently been diagnosed with MS.

  1. Hi Lauralee,
    thanks for your great question, am including a link for you in hopes that it will help you out...

    https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms

    The above link does touch on swallowing difficulties. I can tell you that for myself, I always have to have cough drops handy because of a "dry throat," otherwise I will get hoarse when I talk.

    It also includes a section for those newly diagnosed.

    Thanks so much for reaching out and remember that we're always here for you whenever you need information,support or just need a virtual hug!! Janus

    1. Thank you!

  2. Hi ! I hope others in the community will respond to your question, but I thought I would offer you a link to this article from one of our advocates while you wait: https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/learning-speech-swallow-dysfunction-ms/. It might explain some of the symptoms you are having. Here is another article from one of our advocates with advice for people who are newly diagnosed. I thought you might find it interesting: https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/a-few-thoughts-for-the-newly-diagnosed/. Best wishes! – Lori, MultipleSclerosis.net, Team Member

    1. Thank you!

  3. In my experience it certainly is a part of MS. Mine gets so dry my lips stick to my teeth. Especially when I wake each morning, my mouth and throat are completely dry. It is really hard to even swallow. I also try to keep a type of cough drops or mints with me. I have to constantly be drinking water all day to keep any moisture in my mouth, tongue and throat.
    Arvilla

    1. I was hoping something else was the matter causing me not to be able to finish my words

    2. Hi Lauralea,
      It is possible that this could be totally unrelated to the m.s.
      If it persists I would urge you to ask your doctor about it just to be sure, (if you haven't already done so) and to see if there is something they can do to bring you relief.
      Please keep us posted, will be thinking of you! Janus

  4. Thanks! I was wondering, sometimes I'll he talking and either I start choking or it's like my sound stops..

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