People with dementia can struggle with a variety of different health issues, from physical to mental. One of the more common physical symptoms related to dementia is coughing up a lot of phlegm. It is estimated that over 5 million people in the United States currently have some form of dementia, and for many of them, this symptom can cause distress or even interfere with daily activities. The following article will discuss why people with dementia can experience this symptom and what you can do to relieve it.
What Causes Excessive Coughing in People with Dementia?
There are a few different causes that can result in a person with dementia coughing up a lot of phlegm. These include infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and even tuberculosis, as well as airway irritants like cigarette smoke or environmental pollutants. All of these can cause a person to become sensitive to their environment and cause them to cough more than normal. In addition, some people with dementia may have difficulty swallowing, which can lead to the accumulation of mucus in the throat.
What Can You Do to Relieve Uncomfortable Coughing?
If you notice that your loved one is coughing up a lot of phlegm, there are several steps you can take to help relieve their coughing. First, make sure you are keeping their environment as clean and pollutant-free as possible. This includes avoiding smoking indoors and keeping the air clean with air purifiers or other air filtering systems. Additionally, if your loved one is having difficulty swallowing, you can offer them smaller, more frequent meals which can help reduce their coughing.
It's also recommended that you speak to a doctor about the possibility of prescribing medication to help reduce your loved one's coughing. Some medications used to treat chronic illnesses, such as asthma, can be used to help reduce the amount of phlegm in the throat and make it easier to swallow. Additionally, your doctor might be able to recommend other treatments that can help improve your loved one's coughing, such as steam inhalation or saline gargles.
Tips for Managing Coughing in People with Dementia
In addition to seeking medical advice, there are a few other tips you can use to help manage coughing in people with dementia. One of the most important things you can do is to keep them hydrated. This is especially important if their coughing is due to difficulty swallowing. Additionally, you can offer them warm drinks, such as tea with honey, which can help reduce their coughing. If your loved one is able to, you can also encourage them to take deep breaths, which can help reduce the amount of phlegm in their throat.
Finally, if you are able to, try to keep your loved one's environment as stress-free as possible. Stress can be a trigger for coughing and can make the symptom worse. If your loved one is feeling overwhelmed or anxious, it's best to try and provide them with a calm, supportive atmosphere. You can also encourage them to practice deep breathing or relaxation techniques to help keep their stress levels down.
Conclusion
Coughing up a lot of phlegm is a common symptom of dementia, and it can be distressing for both the person affected and their family members. However, there are a few steps you can take to help reduce the symptom and make your loved one more comfortable. Keeping the environment free of pollutants and irritants, staying hydrated, and keeping stress levels low can all help reduce coughing. Additionally, speaking to a doctor about treatment options is recommended, as they may be able to prescribe medication to help relieve the symptom.