excessive mucous in elderly patient

I am so appreciative of this info. My 85 year old father (with vascular dementia) has been recently having trouble with this clear, sticky mucus. So far, he can cough it out, but he is weakening and I foresee some of the same issues I read. He has always had post nasal drip but we notice that as we help him move about his home (a split level), the exertion causes his nose to drop severely. Like others, trying to keep him hydrated. Using Ensure, wondering if it's thickness contributes to the problem since it's not water. Will definitely try Allegra D and saline solution. My sister, myself, and a part time CNA help keep him (and my 87 yo mother) comfy and safe. What type of machine is this I'm reading about for suction? I know I can Google, but I would rather benefit from others' experience. Thanks!!

Watch out for Cipro.....affects tendons and muscles!

Super helpful thank u

My grandmother is 85-year-old and she will always splits for every second so please tell us any remdy for this problem

My grandmother is 85-year-old and she will always splits for every second so please tell us any remedy for this problem

Please suggest any medicine for this problem

Dear Ursula, Your detailed response is much appreciated, and explains all clearly - thank you sooo much! These days doctors rush to meet next patient, and don't want to spend time to explain. It's so much better when one understands the causes. My Mom is 88, and I just decided after reading your reply that time has come for me to liquidize her food. Your explanations make good sense, the food must be landing in the lungs cause it is always as she eats solid food, and it's mucus coming back, not food. Thanks once again for sharing with us! Annette

You've got to be kidding. Usually, when an elderly person has been experiencing persistent mucus vomiting for a period of time they will have also found it difficult to keep food and fluid down. "All organs cleansed by colon irrigation" seems extreme adding more discomfort to an already energy depleted person.

my husband is 92 and has very bad sticky saliva and at times cannot swallow liquid foods as it gets caught in this sticky stuff and he has to cough it up nearly gagging ,very exhaustive for him, usually gives up trying to eat? then he may have a good day! but even so only eat a few spoonfuls but at least that is good for me! have tried baby food etc but nothing works! but amazingly he can eat this savoury biscuit Cheds with spreadable tasty cheese! eat about 4 of them? have tried straws for drinking end up got popper small bottles and have warm water, juice etc in those and he can manage them to drink. find pineapple /pear/apple juice he can drink in very small amounts. give him warm water before eating. tried cooking and pureeing food? eat about 2 teaspoons! just wasted food! that's why I have 12 mnth baby food at times? as have tried everything! very depressing situation! use boxes of tissues for him to spit up this coursed saliva!

my doctor has told me that it is because the muscles of the throat etc become to weak and they just do not swallow strongly enough! I care for my 92 yr old husband who has sticky mucous bad ! tried everything! spray his nose and throat with sterile salty water teeth cleaning and mouthwash! pureed food? nothing works really manages a few spoonfuls on a good day! yet can eat dry savoury biscuit with cheese tasty spread? warm water on rising morning, pineapple/pear/apple juice always available for him to have but you have to make him drink?sometimes he will have a little sustagen or milo? feel useless mostly because have tried everything? but sticky saliva is winning !

Hi. I was wondering if you could tell us what the over the counter meds were that worked for your dad?

Hi Ursula, I'm experiencing the exact same problem with my mother. I'm feeling the same feelings as you described which is why I'm seeking out additional information. My mother visited the Infection Disease doctor a couple weeks ago and the ARNP told me to check to see if my mother has Bronchiectasis. I haven't done so as of yet b/c I'm looking for a Naturopathic doctor in the area to check her. For now, I give her Mucinex, or Mucus relief which helps sometimes, but today has been a nightmare. I'm unable to help my mother get any relief from the constant build up of thick mucus and I don't want to continue to gag her to make her throw it up although minutes later she's full of mucus. I'm so frustrated with these doctors that don't listen. I told them of this problem last year and it just got worse as my crys have fallen on deaf ears.

Did this treatment work?

Im at my wits end, im just exhausted with seeing my mother in this state, does anyone know this machine called or ovr the counter meds called please

My mothers is going through this tonight I googled coughing it started when she was taking Lisinopril ,, a side effect of a blood pressure pill., she is taken off it by her Dr. and given a different one, I bought elderberry syrup from the health food store also called Sambucus search for it it's been around for ages ! And you are right about chocking on food, I've experienced it more than once myself your bod keeps creating tons and tons of mucus to expel whatever is in your throat ! So tonight I have a humidifier in her bedroom and her coughing kept on and on and I was getting low on the medicated steam liquid , after trying everything else I put the Kaz steam medication in the humidifier and it seems to help quiet down her coughing , could it also be allergies ? Wishing you and your mom the best in finding the help you need !