Home » Health Conditions » Parkinson's Disease » Questions » How can we stop the drooling from Parkinsons?
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Does anyone have any suggestions for alleviating the drooling associated with Parkinsons? My father has tried chewing gum for this, and even had botox shots in his salivary glands, and this didn't work. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
National Parkinson Foundation, May 11, 2012
The National Parkinson Foundation is a leader in the fight against Parkinson's - helping thousands battle the disease every day. Recognizing the need for a public champion of Parkinson's care, Jeanne C. Levey founded NPF in 1957 for her husband who had Parkinson's.
• If you tend to drool, you probably don’t have more saliva than you used to have; you are just not swallowing it as automatically as before.
• Frequent sips of water or sucking on ice chips during the day can help you swallow more often.
• Always keep your head up, with your chin parallel to the floor, and your lips closed when you are not talking or eating.
• Reduce your sugar intake, as it tends to make more saliva in the mouth.
• You might also consider having Myobloc (Botulinum toxin B) injections into the parotid gland—the biggest saliva-producing gland. The parotid gland is right near your ear and the injections last 3-4 months.
• Anticholinergic medications can be used to help control drooling. However, because of the side effects the preferred method is the Myobloc injection.
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superSLP
Give a Hug
Sep 11, 2009
Generally speaking, if a person with Parkinson's disease is dealing with a drooling issuse it is because there is a loss in the sensation that tells one that they should swallow. In most cases there is no increase in the saliva production rather a decrease in the management of saliva. Medications to reduce saliva production will not help in this case because the body will continue to produce saliva (even if in smaller amounts) and the patient will continue to not be able to manage the saliva that he produces. I would suggest consulting a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) as we are the appropriate professionals to offer remediation in this case. The SLP will be able to evaluate the neuro oral motor function and determine the appropriate interventions. Good luck.
Helpful Answer (2)
Jaye
Sep 3, 2009
I do think that there are some medications, that will help with this... I think just some benadryl will help some. If it is not interfer with other medication.
Helpful Answer (0)
pwestesen
Oct 8, 2011
I read somewhere about pineapple juice diminishing the drooling. We tried it and it works!!! Shake the juice if in can and have a cup in the morn and later afternoon. It has changed my husband's life for the better and cut drooling by at least half!!!
Donnamarie1115
Mar 15, 2012
I recently attended a PD support group and the neurologist that runs it has had all of her drooling patients suck on lollipops. She said it worked for all of them.
cece
Apr 4, 2012
Keep water with a straw all of the time. If you drink all of the time you are able to swallow all of the time; it hides the drooling too. Keep it by their bed at night too. Also, crushed ice partially melted tastes really good.Don't try anything that can cause chocking. Fluids are enough.
fairygirl
Apr 26, 2012
Botox
Is Botox approved for Parkinson's? It's expensive and takes injections in the face.A lot of older people have very thin skin, there can be allergic reactions too. Also infections. I have never checked on that one. With cash anything is possible. I wouldn't give it to a parent. An antihistamine could help, along with fluids.Good question.
dotti62
Apr 28, 2012
SLP makes the most sense. I have put this in motion with my P. person. Tried having him suck on hard candy yesterday (1/2 day) and it did improve greatly. Don't Know for sure if it was coincidence or really worked since such a short time.
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