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Child With Disability, White Frothy Sputum Coming From Mouth, Nose. What Could Be Causing This?
My 6 year old son is disabled. He has a rare genetic condition and requires total care. He requires lots of auctioning. Over thebpastbmonth or so, in the mornings he has a very large amount of white frothy sputum coming from his mouth and nose. His oxygen level and heart rate have been in his normal range. No fever. What could be causing this?
Wed, 29 May 2013
Hello and welcome to HCM,
It would have been good if you had posted the genetic disorder from which your son is suffering.
Anyways, presence of large amounts of white colored frothy sputum from mouth suggests accumulation of secretions in the upper respiratory tract and/ or upper gastrointestinal tract.
All the secretions produced by the nasal mucosa, oral mucosa and pharyngeal mucosa are swallowed by the action of the pharyngeal muscles.
Any abnormality in the muscles, inco-ordination of the muscles, etc. can lead to accumulation of secretions in the oral cavity and inability to swallow them.
You need to consult your pediatrician.
This sign could be a part of the genetic disorder that your son is suffering from.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
It would have been good if you had posted the genetic disorder from which your son is suffering.
Anyways, presence of large amounts of white colored frothy sputum from mouth suggests accumulation of secretions in the upper respiratory tract and/ or upper gastrointestinal tract.
All the secretions produced by the nasal mucosa, oral mucosa and pharyngeal mucosa are swallowed by the action of the pharyngeal muscles.
Any abnormality in the muscles, inco-ordination of the muscles, etc. can lead to accumulation of secretions in the oral cavity and inability to swallow them.
You need to consult your pediatrician.
This sign could be a part of the genetic disorder that your son is suffering from.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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