I live at an apt building for 62 and over. There’s and older man, about 90, who throws up at the table when we’re having lunch. Should I tell his son who wants me to let him know what’s going on with his dad?
You should speak with the admins who are operating this over 62 facility if there are any (I am assuming there are as you mention you are seeing this gentleman eat).
If not, and you can contact the son, do so. Let him know that this gentleman may have a "swallow deficit" and that this can be dangerous in that he may get food into his lung and airway instead of into his stomach. This can cause what is called "aspiration pneumonia". Tell son that an OLD, retired RN (that's me) told you that he should see his doctor and a swallow evaluation should be done by OT (Occupational Therapist) to make sure he is safe eating right now.
Do this only if you see this as a frequent problem. And especially if there is coughing involved when he is eating.
My Aunt is 104. She has been doing the same thing now for 3 years. Hers is from a less common issue, which is a "pocket" that has formed in a weakened area of her esophagus. Saliva gets trapped in it over the course of the day and when she eats lunch a dinner sometimes (but not always) she gags and has to "throw up" to clear it. There is a surgical treatment for this but she refuses.
I'm only telling you this because if his vomiting isn't from the other common causes, this is a rare possibility and it took me quite a while to help her GP diagnose it. My Aunt maintains her weight and tolerates this problem. It never happens at breakfast.
Tell his son. This could be due to many problems a serious one would be aspiration. Let him know if you are noticing this about liquids as well as solid foods. (I am curious if there is staff there to monitor the diners. There should be someone there trained in the Heimlich Maneuver)
If not, and you can contact the son, do so. Let him know that this gentleman may have a "swallow deficit" and that this can be dangerous in that he may get food into his lung and airway instead of into his stomach. This can cause what is called "aspiration pneumonia".
Tell son that an OLD, retired RN (that's me) told you that he should see his doctor and a swallow evaluation should be done by OT (Occupational Therapist) to make sure he is safe eating right now.
Do this only if you see this as a frequent problem. And especially if there is coughing involved when he is eating.
Best to you. Good of you to be a caring friend.
My Aunt is 104. She has been doing the same thing now for 3 years. Hers is from a less common issue, which is a "pocket" that has formed in a weakened area of her esophagus. Saliva gets trapped in it over the course of the day and when she eats lunch a dinner sometimes (but not always) she gags and has to "throw up" to clear it. There is a surgical treatment for this but she refuses.
I'm only telling you this because if his vomiting isn't from the other common causes, this is a rare possibility and it took me quite a while to help her GP diagnose it. My Aunt maintains her weight and tolerates this problem. It never happens at breakfast.
This could be due to many problems a serious one would be aspiration. Let him know if you are noticing this about liquids as well as solid foods.
(I am curious if there is staff there to monitor the diners. There should be someone there trained in the Heimlich Maneuver)