Bloating and Parkinson Patient

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Anonymous
Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:44 am Post subject: Q: Bloating and Parkinson Patient

Bloating is a very common gastrointestinal condition that million of people around the world suffer from each and everyday. Chances are that there is really nothing wrong with you if you find that your are experiencing bloating and there is no need to be alarmed. However it is different with the Parkinson patient. Besides eating food that may not particularly agree with your system , having constipation. There are Parkinson medications or vitamins that have been shown to cause bloating. Treatments for bloating depending on how bad your symptoms are. TEO KIM HOE
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Kathrynne Holden, MS, RDJoined: 22 Jan 2007Posts: 94Location: www.nutritionucanlivewith.com
Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 7:06 am Post subject:

Dear Teo, Thanks for your post, it's a good reminder that bloating can be caused by a number of conditions, and it's important to talk with your doctor. The PD medications known as agonists, such as Requip and Mirapex, can cause bloating. Also, gastroparesis (slowed stomach emptying) can cause excess stomach acid, which, mixed with food, creates gas and bloating in the stomach. I encourage all folks to talk with your doctor if this occurs._________________Best regards, Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD -- For a Parkinson Tip of the Day visit: http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/
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Anonymous
Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2007 3:52 am Post subject: Bloating and Parkinson Patient

Dear Dr. Kathrynne Holden, I am glad that you are my respected doctor. You are working hard for the awareness of Parkinson's patients. Lord bless you. In view of the above articles I am recently diagnosed that I have reflux acid. It causes saliva drooling from my mouth and excessive phlegm deep in my throat. I have poor cough occasionally when I lie down at bed. My phlegm is thin as a glue. I do not have COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease} as told by my Pulmonary specialist. As what you have mentioned the Parkinson's medication known as agonists, such as Requip can cause bloating,saliva and phlegm deep in the throat that irritated with cough when one rests at bed. I could not sleep at night and taking "Ativan "and it wear off in 3- 4 hours thus no relief from early morning awakening. I have consulted Lung Specialist for the treatment and am taking two doses of Prevacid 30 mg before food daily. As for my insomnia 2 doses of Ativan before bed time. In this connection should I cutdown the taking of Requip from 12 mg to 8 mg and substitute with one extra of Sinemet from two doses to three doses daily? Sinemet is the wonder drug. My doctor Dr. Chew agrees with the changes. However I am worry does the changes affecting my physically agility at the Gym? In this connection kindly advise me on how to get away or substitute the taking "Ativan" for insomnia as it has sideeffect if I regular use over time and increase significant risks in the elderly like me. It could develop over-sedation, confusion and balance impairment increasing the risk of falls. Kindly advise me TEOKIMHOE

Anonymous
Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 12:38 am Post subject: Bloating and Parkinson Patient

Dear Mr Teo Dopamine agonists such as Requip do not cause your symptoms of bloating, phlegm etc. You should continue the Requip at the same dose (12 mg per day). Dr Chew
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Kathrynne Holden, MS, RDJoined: 22 Jan 2007Posts: 94Location: www.nutritionucanlivewith.com
Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:23 am Post subject:

Dear Teo, Acid reflux is not uncommon among those with PD. It may be a result of slowed stomach emptying (gastroparesis), which occurs when PD slows the movement of the muscles of the stomach, so that food remains in the stomach for an abnormally long time. The food, mixed with stomach acid, creates gas, which pushes the acid contents upward into the throat, creating acid reflux. This can cause persistent coughing, as you note. However, to the best of my knowledge the drooling of saliva is a different matter, not related to the reflux, nor to the Requip. This may occur due to “hypersalivation” as a result of PD; but more often, it occurs because one forgets to swallow as often as needed. Phlegm and Mucus is not at all uncommon among folks with PD. Here are a couple of suggestions; one or the other has worked for most people: 1) Alkalol: Medications, breathing through the mouth, sleeping with the mouth open, using medications that cause dry mouth, and other conditions can sometimes lead to a buildup of sticky mucous that's difficult to swallow. If so, ask your dentist whether it might be helpful to try swishing the mouth, or gargling, with a mouthwash called Alkalol. Alkalol is a mucous solvent; ingredients include thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, camphor, benzoin, potassium alum, potassium chlorate, sodium, bicarbonate, sodium chloride, and oils of sweet birch, spearmint, pine, and cinnamon, plus 2/100 of 1% alcohol. It is commonly used as a mouthwash, nasal spray, and gargle, to cut mucous. People with sleep apnea, singers with throat irritation, and others use Alkalol, but it's fine as a daily mouthwash also. Alkalol is available at most U.S. drugstores; if your dentist agrees it might be useful, ask the pharmacist to point it out. If they don't carry it, the pharmacist can order it: The Alkalol Company Taunton, Massachusetts 02780-0952 or, online by the case (I have no personal experience with the following company, and do not endorse it, nor receive payment from it): Case of 12: $33.58 http://www.medichest.com/alkalolliquidcaseof1.html For an article that describes various ways of irrigating, as well as use of Alkalol and other solutions, please see: http://www.allergybuyersclub.com/faqs/faq-sinusitis.shtml --- A forum friend comments: Sips of pineapple juice (not pineapple drink or juice with sugar, just plain juice or papaya (the fruit) will help relieve the throat of mucous and excess saliva. Another forum friend's comment: I have used Alkolol for about six weeks now and find it very helpful. I bought a salt water nasal spray bottle and emptied it and filled it with straight Alkolol for sinuses. I only use it a couple times a week as needed. For gargling I find it takes a tiny swig out of the bottle. Just a little bit cuts through all the dry mouth and throat build up. Its great and inexpensive. 2) The combination of fenugreek and thyme has helped a number of people who have problems with drooling or excess mucus. It can be obtained in capsule form at many health food stores. Regarding medication changes, I cannot assist you, as this is outside my scope of practice as a dietitian._________________Best regards, Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD -- For a Parkinson Tip of the Day visit: http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/



Anonymous
Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 5:05 am Post subject: Bloating and Parkinson Patient

Dear Mr Teo Take three tablets of Ativan at night. Two tablets may not be sufficient for you. Don't worry about sleeping pills - they are safe. Most of my PD patients are on sleeping pills because insomnia is common in PD. Dr Chew
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