Our neurologist prescribed off-label dosing of 1800mg guaifenisin (Mucinex), twice daily. We also used 10mg loratadine (generic, OTC Claritin). And OTC Delsym cough syrup that contains DM. The combo worked reasonably well but nothing eliminated the mucus entirely.

Good idea to raise the head of the bed.

Others on this Forum (or another one I frequent) have pointed out that some foods cause the production of mucus. Dairy products apparently do this.

Also, a presumably non-neurodegenerated friend who gets colds a lot with chest congestion uses three approaches: a "neti pot," placing the face/head over a bowl of hot water with a towel on her head, and a humidifier. Don't know if any of those work for your husband.

Just a curious thing that has happened with my husband. He has had consistent asthma and allergic rhinitis since childhood. Has been on albuterol and decongestants since I've known him. Since his surgery and the worsening of his LBD, all of that has disappeared, no more wheezing, no more stuffy nose. Can't help but wonder if one of his new medicines has alleviated that, or maybe just that he has been inside. Wierd!

Glad you've seen a bit of improvement.

It's very sad when our loved one's ability to swallow even his/her own saliva starts to degrade.

My Dad does that too when he sleeps-I can hear the
moist respirations and fear pneumonia(aspiration) again.
He gets breathing treatments 4 times a day which are
supposed to help him cough it up. I am starting to have
him avoid alot of dairy as well. I try to remind him to
cough and deep breathe often. The deep breathing helps
him with his shortness of breath and sometimes the anxiety.
He used to drool alot, but It seems to have stopped lately.

manymoons,
I think you'll want to avoid benadryl. It's anticholinergic, and this type of med should not be given to anyone with LBD. Side effects are: mental confusion and worsening motor problems. I'm thinking the MD doesn't know about LBD.....
Robin

My husband became VERY confused when I gave him benedryl for posion ivy. He ended up in the ER for hours, ativan has the same effect on him.

Manymoons,
Again here is a perfect example with the issues with meds for LBD, everyone is so darned different and I guess if your husband can take it then that's ok but Benadryl is listed with the neuroleptic drugs that should not be taken on the LBDA website.

Irene,
First, I feel for you, I hear your pain when you talk about "maybe if you had not left your husband alone..." Please! think about all the good you did for him, all the endless hours that you gave him, and how you are able to help us now. Some times good has to be good enough, period.

I appreciate the time you all give to this forum.

You said that Benadryl is listed on the LBD website as a neuroleptic drug thqt should not be taken. How about Claritin (anti-histamine)? My Mother takes it for her allergies. I looked on the website but can't find it. Please advise. Thank you.
Pilar

Pilar -

Where did Irene say "maybe if you had not left your husband alone..."??

Benadryl isn't a neuroleptic. I think what Irene (Selak) meant was that Benadryl is often listed along with neuroleptics as bad for LBDers.

Claritin is loratadine, which is fine.

Robin

In a recent reply I stated "if I hadn't left him alone" meaning "Me", If memory serves me correctly I was talking about a fall my husband had in the bathroom which I think was the beginning of the end for him.

Also About the Benadryl , I didn't mean it was a neuroleptic type drug but a drug that many think you should avoid. Thanks for picking up on what I meant Robin!

Irene & Robin:
I apologize for any misunderstanding, I did not mean to imply anything.
Yes, I know that you were talking about your husband, Irene.
Thank you, Pilar

Pilar,
No problem here!

My hospice nurse gave Tony drops of atropine this afternoon and I am very worried about it. I was there later and he did not seem to have any ill effects from it. He was having terrible coughing spells, very wet. I suggested mucinex but she said she hates to give him another liquid as he is aspirating. Has been diagnosed with dysphagia for 18 months now. He is in a wheelchair and total care. What could happen if he continues to take the atropine? Side effects?? She has also suggested the scop patch, which I have also turned down. I am having a dilema about what to use. Are there any LBDrs who have successfully used these drugs?

Possible side effects are all the usual anticholinergic ones. If he's not walking, not talking, and not really engaged in conversation, I'm not sure what the issue would be with his experiencing those side effects.