Thick Saliva with Parkinson's

Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:59 am Post subject: Thick Saliva and Parkinson's

I have excessive saliva and drooling from my mouth and it turns thick as a glue locked deep down my throat. I feel uncomfortable and itching in my throat and I feel need to cough and clear my throat all the times. It is not the phlegm in my chest as my x test shown clear. I have gone Pulmonary Function Test and the result shown no obstructive airway defect, normal lung volume and normal DLco: inspired volume was less than 90% of best vital capacity and no significant response to bronchitis. Kindly elaborate TEOKIMHOE
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lmahlerJoined: 02 Apr 2007Posts: 1
Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 9:18 am Post subject: Thick Saliva

Dear TEOKIMHOE,

This complaint of excess saliva is common in Parkinson's disease (PD). There has long been a debate in the literature about whether this is the result of overproduction of saliva or decreased frequency and efficiency of swallowing. It looks like the data are pointing to the latter. People with PD have changes in all phases of swallowing that results in a weaker swallow and the bradykinesia associated with PD means they don't initiate a swallow as frequently. In addition, when someone has difficulty swallowing they tend to drink fewer liquids. Sometimes thick mucuous is partially attributed to decreased fluid intake. It sounds like you have already spoken to your physician if you have had a pulmonary function test. It is good to know that your lung function is within normal limits. Now you can turn your attention to strengthening your swallow, consciously swallowing more frequently, and possibly increasing your fluid intake if that is low. A speech-language pathologist can help you with these things so talk to your doctor about getting a referral for a swallow evaluation and appropriate treatment strategies. Good luck to you. Leslie Mahler phd