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Please excuse my rambling. I’m so tired 😩.


My mom resides in a healthcare facility. Her doctor was asked about using Claritin for her runny nose. He ordered one tablet of over the counter Claritin given to her every day. It’s still really bad, so much so she at times doesn’t know her nose is running. Also what causes all the saliva build up in her mouth?


She also has issues with “pocketing her food". Before her fall (broke her femur), resulted in a mild stroke, blood clot in leg (it was caught) and early stages of dementia, her nose would run but not this bad.


I’d appreciate your thoughts, information, and suggestions regarding this & what to do or next!

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Check the air conditioning system in her room. It could be dirty and harboring mold which was the case from my mother when she was doing rehab in a facility. When I opened up the air conditioning/heating system it was filthy inside with mold and she was breathing contaminated air and it caused her to have an allergic reaction. Quite often cleaning the air conditioning system is overlooked in facilities. As soon as I pointed it out, they put in a whole new unit that was spotlessly clean and she got much better. Look for any telltale signs of mold in her room and bathroom.

Something is causing your mother to have a reaction. My mom also had food allergies and so we had to have her avoid certain foods. This was much more difficult but it is doable if the staff will cooperate. Allegra seems to be a better antihistamine than Claritin according to pharmacists that I've spoken to. They believe the Allegra is longer acting. But if your mom has chronic exposure to allergens nothings going to help completely. I hope this information helps.
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Attyrhand Mar 2019
BlancheD I to thought of food allergies to, some things have been eliminated from her diet. Thank you so much for the insight regarding the air conditioning system & the mild!
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Air Conditioning? Mold? Yes that could be a contributing factor, highly unlikely although. This person has DEMENTIA , that is what is causing this condition. They forget to swallow and/or their brain is not functioning correctly. And from experience when they stop drooling, it comes out their nose. Go to and ENT Doctor, do a swallow study.
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Attyrhand Mar 2019
Nubknacker thank you, thank you! The air conditioning suggestion is great. I to felt that my mom’s dementia could be the entire cause if this. When her nose and/or mouth is wiped is like strings of cheese.
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I would get her in to see an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. Not only is that really uncomfortable but there is a real chance of choking on the excess fluids. Not to mention getting a wound from constantly wet skin, that can then expose her to every infection around.

My husband's allergist said that the 24 hour pills are not really strong enough and you need 2 a day when you have problems with symptoms. I would also ask if a decongestant, like generic sudafed, could be tried.

Point out to the doctor that the solution is not working and can he try something else or write a referral to a ENT, or both, as it would be tragic if something happens for want of a little attention.

Just for information, I use the generic Sam's club brand for sudafed and it has been a blessing, it's cheap and effective, usually 1 or 2 pills a day keep me breathing. And I don't experience side effects like I do with name brand.

Please let us know how this gets straightened out for your mom. Oh yeah, bring up her dignity if the doctor hesitates at all.
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NeedHelpWithMom Apr 2019
Yes! This is true. I have severe allergies and asthma. It’s horrible. Last asthma attack, hospital stay for almost a week, they sent me home with breathing machine. Not being able to breathe is so uncomfortable. Not to mention scary and dangerous. They called in my priest at one point. Please follow up with doctor as isthisreallyreal is suggesting. There is help. I would speak to ENT, primary doc, allergist, whoever you need to speak to in order to solve the problem.

Hope she gets relief soon. You’re smart to be inquiring about this situation. Take care.
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I would also request a GI consult which can also include a swallowing study.
The pocketing of food could be caused by an inability to swallow. Often liquid will run out the nose when someone can't swallow properly.
You can also go the ENT route at the same time. Keep her lips and round her mout well lubricatedor they will get very sore ,peel and split.
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Attyrhand Mar 2019
Veronica91, thank you so very much.! I never thought about the liquids running from her nose.
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