dh is trying to kick the virus we had (8 days ago). He is still spitting up some mucous after drinking any amount of liquid (even with the thickener). He is dry all day and then lets it all out during the night. So hard to judge how much food/drink to give when he is coughing/spitting up during meals. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I can say he is doing better than he was 8 days ago, but still not where he was. DH is always in bed. He is not on hospice as they believe he is too strong and he is eating ok. Just need to know how to get the fluids in without him spitting it up. Thanks
When Lloyd is having difficulty, he does the fluids better through a straw. I guess he has better control himself with a straw as opposed to me pouring drinks in his mouth.
I recently had a virus that produced a thick, sticky mucous that almost made me choke when I was eating or drinking. The best thing I found was taking 200 mg. of Guaifenesin (1tsp). It's put out by Robitussin for chest congestion and works by decreasing and thinning the secretions. It's an over-the-counter med. The recommended dose is 400 mg (1 tsp.), but I find that at age 82, it's safer and works just as well to cut most medications in half. Robitussin also has their usual cough medicine to control coughing, which it contains 200 mg. of Guaifenesin along with the cough suppressant. Maybe Marty, our resident pharmacist, or Marsh, our beloved doctor, will be along and comment. I don't know your husband's age or other medical conditions, so you might want to check with your doctor if this is okay to use.
Keep in mind that milk and milk products increase mucus in many people. If he is drinking a glass of milk at dinner and maybe having ice cream - he will have more mucus. My son in law had a terrible time with coughing and spitting until his doctor suggested he not have dairy products after lunch. Some say this is so, others say it is not. I believe it depends on the individual. Perhaps you can just try this and see if it works.
My husband and I have had a similar virus. I've had it for almost 3 weeks and am still having problems with the mucous. I've been taking Mucinex, which seems to help.
Is he able to blow his nose Brindle? Lynn isn’t able to at all. In order to help relieve his cold symptoms I bought a battery operated nasal aspirator, the one I purchased is called Nasal Clear. When he had pneumonia a few months ago it really helped speed up his healing time.
A few years ago when he had pneumonia and was choking while eating, his doctor said the best thing to do was to make sure he was sitting up as straight as possible. Do you have a hospital bed that you can position in a more upright position? True or not he did also limit milk products.
There are medicines available to help thin the mucus, perhaps his doctor can order him something to help him through this last hurdle. Glad to hear he is starting to feel better! ((hugs))
DH is back on Hospice. He has lost so much weight this year and can't really eat much without throwing it up in his mucous. Drinking (using a thickener) is slow and not much gets in. Sipping with a straw causes problems for people with swallowing issues. Robitussin does help with the cough and so does Atropin (1 - 2 drops ) helps to stop the flow of mucous. Side effect is he does not urinate and bowels become constipated. He is so thin. I try to give food but I feel unable to give him what I think he needs (baby food). Jello seems to do well. At the first sign of a belch, I know to stop because the throwing up comes next. Doing lots of laundry again. I don't believe he will bounce back. He is having too much trouble eating/drinking. Sleeps a lot now probably because he is not getting much nourishment from eating/drinking.
Brindle, it's good that Hospice is back to help. This is a such a difficult time for you, and I will keep you and your husband in my prayers. Try to pace yourself so that you don't become exhausted.