My mother has huge problems with choking
Her diagnosis is secondary progressive MS. She doesn't want medical help, so I can't say exactly what the diagnosis is, but I'll try. She's been having terrible nights for a few months now, tormented by a lump in her throat (a collection of secretions or something similar, it's stuck and she can't get it out; if she tries, it costs her a lot of effort). We don't know how to get better, the neurologist tells her on the phone that this is something associated with the disease and that it will be like this and it won't go away. Is there any way to break up these secretions or something similar and start breathing normally? It's just unbearable and we're helpless. I'm describing it in the simplest way and as I mentioned, I can't say exactly what the cause is. I'm asking for help so badly!
Hi,
!
I am so sorry your mom is dealing with these swallowing issues. I am a bit surprised by the neurologist's input, as there are things that can help with swallowing issues and you can read a bit about that here -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/symptoms/swallowing-problems and here -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/trouble-swallowing. You can ask your neurologist for a referral to an ENT or a speech/language pathologist to get further testing and possible treatment options. There are things that can be done and your mom doesn't necessarily have to "learn to live with it". I hope this information is helpful for you and that you can work with your Mom to get her some help.
Best, Erin, Team Member.Thanks for the information! Besides difficulty swallowing, her bigger problem is choking on this accumulated secretion. She told me that this is called postnasal drip. She doesn't know where this fluid is coming from, but it goes directly into her throat and collects somewhere there, not wanting to come out. She has tried many things for postnasal drip, sprays, etc., but nothing helps. Hopefully we can find a solution!
, hmmm. I did see you mentioned that in your original post and I have to admit that I am stumped. It could be the combo of some ongoing post nasal drip and the weakened swallowing muscles causing the problem, but I don't want to really guess. Again, an ENT might be a good place to start, especially if they are knowledgeable about MS or, swallowing issues.
Best, Erin, Team Member.
