Follow
Share

When I asked her about it she said her throat hurts all the time. Is this part of the dementia?

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
Thank you Cared for parents your message encouraged me. I am grateful to all the awesome and beautiful caregivers doing this selfless work of caring for our parents. Big hug to you and thank you for your prayers.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Thank you womenofGod for the update. I fear the issue isn't if a pack of cough drops a day is ok, but that your mother is in constant pain requiring them. Unless you find it is just a habit, then maybe there is little harm in humoring it. Sounds like you have a good plan though to pull back on them. If her complaints increase, maybe that indicates it is persistent. And follow your instinct on a change/at least a second opinion. Sadly, some doctors (certainly not all, and maybe not intentionally by most) may take a rather assuming approach when faced with a geriatric patient, despite that patient potentially having years if not decades of life remaining and/or clearly being in pain/discomfort. Sadly for us, this was the case many times. But we also found heros. Such an approach resulted in a quick dismissal from the ER without a scan I had requested (knowing excruciating pain was abnormal, a history of stroke, and a recently placed VP shunt) as the ER MD smugly replied "old people feel pain all the time, and this has nothing to do with the VP shunt" and sent my Dad home with an Rx for codeine. Thankfully I didn't accept that, took him to his neurosurgeon who did the scan and immediately sent him back to the ER. Turns out it was a subdural hematoma with mass effect (compressing both hemispheres). First thing the neurosurgeon did was adjust the VP shunt. Not that it was necessarily the cause, but at least needed to be part of the solution and clearly it was not "just old age." Take care. Be resilient. You might not have the medical credentials (or maybe you do), but you know her and her "normal" better than an MD. You want/need an MD who can partner with you and respect you and your mother or precious time could be lost. Maybe this is just the signal you need to find that doctor before something more significant happens. In any case, thinking of and praying for your family on this journey. Sounds like you have it covered, but one more voice can't hurt.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Well I took my mom to the doctor and he said that the cough drops were ok. But I have decided that I will not let her eat as many as she wants. I am just very unhappy with her doctor so I will have to do what's best for my mom. Thank you to all.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Going to the doctor this Friday August 7th will give an update on my mom's condition. Thank you to everyone who answered my questions. I pray that everyone who reads this is finding peace in there situation. My peace comes from God.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Dear womenofGod, Good luck on the doctor appointment which could be any day now (early August) and let us know if you have any questions before/after we can help with. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. It's nice to help others and then find they help me too :-).
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

just be careful that she is not lying down with something in her mouth that she doesn't choke. i won't even let my grandchildren (10 and 4) lie down with anything in their mouth. Also, please be careful of the "sugar free" cough drops, have you ever checked the artificial ingredients in these, sometimes it is better to have the sugar (and then have them swish out mouth) than the artificial stuff............
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Crickett33, you can get horhound candy at oldtimecandy website for 1.99 a bag
Sorry to hear mom is having so much trouble. One thing i will mention if Gerd is causing her trouble tums would help her with that,but as always check with doctor first. Wishing you the best. Ruth Anne
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Argg ~ why is it that this new computer auto-correction [that i can't seem to turn off on the computer], changes one's words? The phrase ... "i was afraid of the methol or other harsher ingredients in the sore through drops .... " should read: "..in the sore throat drops". Sometimes auto-correct comes up with hilarious things, but i gotta learn to slow down and proofread before clicking 'post'. Sorry ~
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Mom started complaining of a sore throat just about the time of her traumatic fall, which caused her to need a "reverse shoulder replacement." She has no upper body strength, to even sit up in bed. The best i can do is to try to elevate the adjustable bed [she's at a rehab faciltiy, inpatient, as she's in for a long recovery. Her 'good arm' is a mess, now too, having to compensate for the inability to use her left arm at all. Her PCP explained to me, that it's the stomach acids - GERD - causing the sore throat. Even before her surgery, i had bought special cups that enabled her to drink while laying down - and the cup does not spill. [WHEW]. She must drink through the built-in 'crazy straw' to get any liquid out of it. Of all places,i found it at Dollar Tree.

i was afraid of the methol or other harsher ingredients in the sore through drops - so i bought sugar free butterscotch candies. She loves them. They aren't too small for her to choke, yet really give her the soothing sensation she needs for her throat. i was really surprised that GERD caused it -- after going through throat sprays to numb the throat, boxes and boxes of sore throat lozenges [similar to Sucrets] ... honey by the teasppoon as frequently as she needed it, etc. But the individually wrapped candies [like big thick buttons] are easy to roll around in her mouth - Jolly Ranchers were "too sharp" on the edges of their rectangular shape. i'm still looking for her favorite .... Horehound candies ... but i'm not having any luck. One thing i tried, is a mini-humidifier by Vicks that plugs into the wall: it releases the "non-medicated vapors" into the air, and also has a built-in nightlight. The little mini-vaporizer is well worth the unexpectedly high price [$15] - and refill pads are also available. When Mom says her throat hurt, but can't move to do anything about it herself, yeah, i'll try anything to help her. But i didn't want the menthol nor eucalyptus ingredients burning an already sensitive throat. She actually started preferring the Vicks mini-vaporizer and sucking on the butterscotch candies [i got those at CVS - but i'm sure they're available at any drugstore]. But any suggestions on where i might be able to find horehound candies? Even my g/ma swore by those. They seem to work in a rather apothecary means - giving relief when even her GERD meds can't resolve. It rather made sense to me that in having to eat or drink while laying down, the stomach acids are going to exacerbate a preexisting problem with GERD. Hope this helps ~ All the best to you! Blessings ~
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

People with dry mouth get Braggs apple cider put 5 tbs of cayenne it 1 tbs of cloves then take a tsp at a time through out the day but dont take it 2 hour before or after med because cayenne can triple your dose.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Again, I urge you to take her to the dentist for dry mouth.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Thank you joylee. All answers are appreciated.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

You might be surprised what older people have to deal with, even some of the younger ones, when it comes to minor allergies, dry air, dry mouth, stuffy nose or bronchial Flem that is not an infection., just annoying. The cough drop now and then is helpful at times, and I would not be concerned about it. My mother was a Vick flavor cough drop person, I am a menthol flavored cough drop person,The menthol opens my airways and give me temporary relief. I have used cough drops off and on for years. I am thankful they still make them. My personal view is, that it is better for me to use something mild like a cough drop to relieve annoying sensations, rather than fill up on medications that can make me sleepy, dizzy and who knows what other side effects may come from medication that may or may not really be needed to control the annoyances mentioned above. I personally do great with a little cough drop when I feel it is beneficial. I do not go for the sugar fruit flavored drops, they are just like candy to me, of no benefit rather than a little moisture, and may go against proper tooth care in relation to any benefit that I would feel comes from them. Just thoughts on paper for what it is worth. Sincere regards. joylee
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

4tbs of coconut oil and honey and two drop of clove liquid extract take a tsp when needed that helps my family when their throat is sore
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

WomenofGod: I suspect that some of her meds are causing "dry mouth," as many do. #1 Check her dentist to see if she has this condition and if so, there is a OTC med he can give her or #2 If she is sleeping with one in her mouth (and I wouldn't recommend it if she's elderly for the potential choking hazard), MAKE SURE IT IS SUGAR AND MENTHOL FREE!!! She wouldn't want to damage those pearly whites!! I myself typically sleep with a sugarless one, but one time under stress (living out of state, caregiving to my elderly mother, which culminated in her death, I used a sugarless, menthol and woke up choking.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

i would check the ingredients in cough drops, using that many a day can become a habit due to whats in them. surly if she started taking for one reason, she might not be able to stop now due to habit forming. people might laugh at this suggestion, but most times it tells you on the package not to exceed a certain amount in one day. it would be the same as taking cough medicine. there is a reason why they don't want you taking it more than it should be.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Have her see an otolaryngologist who can put a scope down her throat and see what is really going on. I had it done and got to see my own throat. It may be mucus drainage or something serious like throat cancer. Check it out because this is not normal.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

What you should do is read the label on the cough drops to see how long they should be used since they do have medicine in them. Prolonged use of any medication may not be good, so definitely read that label. There were a couple times in my life where I had a dry nagging scratchy cough that was actually relieved by those red and white peppermints. I recall a time about in my 20s when I would try to talk with someone, only to be interrupted every few seconds by a dry scratchy cough. The person I was visiting realized that I had a problem despite the fact that I what just keep plowing forward in the conversation. Water alone actually did not help like the peppermint did that my friend introduced me to. I noticed what a huge difference the peppermint actually made.

Another thing you might want to do for the person you're looking after it is to take them to an ear nose and throat doctor that specializes just in that area. You may also want to get this person evaluated for possible cough variant asthma, since asthma can and often does make you cough constantly. Cough variant asthma can also mimic pertussis as I found out. An inhaler and nebulizer really made a huge difference. There are other medications to go with the inhalants if this person does have a type of asthma, because again, asthma can be a cause of persistent coughing that can make your throat very sore. I know this due to my own life experiences that actually taught me things along the way.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

COULDITBEME, this happened to my mom and the Drs did many tests and figured she had a ministroke and lost control of swallowing muscles. We couldn't let her starve to death so had to let them insert a feeding tube. And because of dementia from ministrokes she pulled it out of her stomach a few times in rehab and nursing home. She survived 6 months and the NH was starting her on pureed foods, but as she ate her last meal it ended up in her lungs and she ended up in the hospital and never came out.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

My Grandmother used to eat the cherry flavored Ludens cough drops all the time. She said her throat always felt scratchy. The "active" ingredient was sugar and pectin. I think she just liked the sugary taste.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I have silent reflex which they said my throat was red from smoking and having my compleate thyroid removed this year it feels like something gets cought in my throat and sometimes I choke on food from it and the horseness and soreness I live on cough drops .. And did before so it wont hurt her . Honey dies not work ! I have tried it . And vinegar .. I take sucrets .and many more kinds .even the spray . My thyroid meds they can never regulate rite .The doctor said he can go inside a inlarge my throat to keep from chocking . I have held that off . I will go back to my other dr monday for another antibiotic . It helps the horseness of my voice . It will make my fourth !
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Sorry .. not love my voice . Lose my voice . They thought it would stop after I had the compleate thyroid removed and since dec I have been on three antibiotics for it . and probably will be put on another when when I go back monday for it again .It wont hurt her I live on cough drops for years .
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I have horseness and love my voice and throat hurts even before they took out my whole thyroid in dec and I take alot of cough drops and they have never killed me yet .. my mom did to before she died of lung cancer ..
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I've always believed that if a person gets to a certain age and or their days on earth are short , let them eat whatever they want. When my dad was in hospice all he wanted was Apple pie. My feeling was at this point let him eat all the pie he wants.
Helpful Answer (7)
Report

My mother was having difficulty swallowing and feeling like she was choking. She started eating cough drops like crazy. When I finally got Mom to see her Doctor, the Doc ordered a barium swallow (where she drank a chalky liquid while the radiologist watched on computer). The radiologist said that Mom's esophagus muscle was not operating correctly thus prohibiting the digestive process. He explained it like this to me. The esophagus was something that happens that we don't have to think about. It was created that way. As we get older the muscles grow weaker in spots or all over. He said have you ever milked a cow? I said yes. The esophagus is just like that process. It is a pulling up and down process (he described it better of course) to remove the food/liquid thru to the intestines. Age can cause that to slow down and even stop in places of the esophagus therefore, choking, feeling of food stacked up in neck etc ensues. She had no other types of blockages,tumors etc. Referred to PCP for meds to help with that. PCP office still hasn't done that yet after several messages. When she gets her meds or whatever it is for this problem, I will let you all know if the cough drops stop. Hope this helps someone.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

If it makes her ha.ppy don t stop her its most likely a suger habbit some people chew gum other suck on candy it acculy may help her sleep as her sugar levels in her blood will rise then fall making her sleepy I drink warm milk to do that before I go to sleep
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

My mom use to suck on cough drops when she went to bed because the meds made her dry and thirsty, but you can choke on them in your sleep. After her stroke she forgot all about them.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Cwillie, I have a vague recollection of reading in one of my herbal magazines that peppermint can cause some stomach upset. I don't recall the article or issue, so this is just a recollection which at this time I can't verify.

But mint drops contain mint, or mint oil, so it's something to think about.

Womenofgod, a package daily of cough drops is a LOT of cough drops. It's good that you're taking her for an examination. Unless there's a sugar high that she's getting, and there can sometimes be, that's just too many cough drops.

Please let us know what the doctor says.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Good to hear you have an appointment for her. You're undoubtedly dealing with a lot overall (sorry to hear about her diabetes too, glad sugar free at least ). Hopefully the cause of this at least can be identified and remedied for her comfort and your peace of mind. Thoughts are with you and her.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Thank you to everyone who responded to my question. Just a bit more information I asked my mom why she was using the cough drops and she said her throat hurts all the time. I will be taking her to the doctor in early August and I will ask him. She takes about a package a day good thing they are Sugar free because she also has diabetes. Besides, the cost I don't believe anything in excess is good for you. I will take to the doctor and see what he has to say.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter