Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement, and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinsons are due to excessive muscle contraction, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the...

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hisknobs 12/30/2011

New symtom is that I have been having trouble swallowing. It feels like I have flem in my throat but if I try to cough it up I feel like I am gagging on my ubula. I have to force myself not to try to clear it. Any advice?

Dirky 12/30/2011

Hi, I have experienced swallowing problems fairly recently.... I tend to eat quickly, which isn't good for anyone, I found slowing down my eating hard work and it took lots of effort.

I spoke with a specialist on Swallowing problems in PD, and she recommended that I chew the food as much as possible and then just as I'm about to swallow tilt my head slowly forward tucking my chin in, then swallow. This works because as you tilt your head forward you'll feel the stretch at the back of your neck whilst at the same time opens & widens the oesophagus(food tube)...therefore making it easier to swallow.

I avoid sticky toffee/chocolate and things like that as I have nearly choked a couple of times.

I hope this has helped in some way... I wish you well..

Yours Sincerely Dirky !!;O))

hisknobs 01/01/2012

Dirky, Thanks for the response. Happy new Year Alex

deleted_user 01/03/2012

I too have recently had issues with this. I am losing my ability toi whistle, I cannot position my tongue correctly. I also am lsoing my voice a little and tend to swallow and it feels like a lump going down not smooth like it used to. Speech Therapy!!!! Strengtens the vocal chords! I got the advice from this list and lokked into it. Learn some vocal strengthening techniques and it should carry over into the throat muscles. Pax,

"In this world without quiet corners, there can be no easy escapes.....from hullabaloo, from terrible, unquiet fuss."
(Salman Rushdie)

deleted_user 02/07/2012

Swallowing is very difficult with parkinsons .We have a natural response to chew and swallow .With parkinsons you loose that just like drooling .From what I have seen .As the disease progresses it gets worse.Food poddles in mouth .Stays then when least exspected it falls down throat you choke .Small sips of water plus chewing .I have had my patient on thickner .Straws I was told was really bad Cut all meat up into very small pieces .Antacid GERD is common as well due to lack of mobility.There is an electroid stimulant used on the neck suppose to help.

deleted_user 02/08/2012

Purple, can you please tell more about the electro stimulant on the neck? I hate the swallowing issues with p.d, it feels as if my swallowing 'misses', and am keen to try anything that could bring relief.

deleted_user 02/17/2012

Coltain their is a swallowing test they can due.They tried electo stimulant with my patient dont really know if it helped or not sorry .

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