Dad had so much trouble with it, and I know others who do, too...
Here’s an idea if you are already dealing with this common Parkinson’s problem!
We had a Physical Therapist show us an exercise to help the body "remember" how to swallow that helped Dad clear his throat a bit. Doesn't get RID of the phlegm, but made it easier to deal with.
That laying back in a bed or lounge chair is a real booger (we might just as well stay in icky-mode)! It lets the phlegm sit right on the "swallower", so positioning is really important! Next time you start the choking, shove your hips back into the chair and lean slightly forward to cough/swallow.
…………………………
You can practice opening and closing the throat if swallowing is being compromised! And since you never think about keeping the muscles in the throat active, until after the fact, begin these now to avoid future issues!
Here’s an idea if you are already dealing with this common Parkinson’s problem!
We had a Physical Therapist show us an exercise to help the body "remember" how to swallow that helped Dad clear his throat a bit. Doesn't get RID of the phlegm, but made it easier to deal with.
- SIT UPRIGHT---make sure the head is over the torso and the torso is not leaning back or in a concave shape that would curve the esophagus or compromise the entry in the throat. If needed, put a small pillow or rolled towel behind the spine against the back of the chair to assist upright posture!
- Cough. Drink a SIP of water. Cough. (you may need to swallow---do so with or without the sip of water)
- Wait and repeat about half a dozen times. Do this a couple times daily in between meals, but also try it BEFORE eating to jump start the brain...
That laying back in a bed or lounge chair is a real booger (we might just as well stay in icky-mode)! It lets the phlegm sit right on the "swallower", so positioning is really important! Next time you start the choking, shove your hips back into the chair and lean slightly forward to cough/swallow.
…………………………
You can practice opening and closing the throat if swallowing is being compromised! And since you never think about keeping the muscles in the throat active, until after the fact, begin these now to avoid future issues!
- Say “X” then “R” several times (yes, out loud so it can be heard!)---do it slowly and pretend you telling someone how to enunciate and say them correctly!
- Say “QUICK-QUACK-QUIRK” several times as above
- Make a fire engine noise by saying (loudly!) “rrr-RRR-rrr-RRR-rrr-RRR” and make it go up and down as they do: you will feel your throat at work!
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