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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Deal With Phlegm In Old Age?

My question concerns my 102 yr. old mother. She has a pacemaker, is currently on Pradaxa, and is doing well, except occasionally when she trys to eat, phlegm fills her throat and she cannot swallow. She may spit up a little, but only clear phlegm, not stomach contents. At first I thought it was just dairy, and give her lactaid milk and/or tablets. Tonight, it happened with just a bite of baked potato.
Fri, 10 Jul 2015
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query, read and understood your history and concerns.
Such a problem of retained phlegm can be due to the following reasons:
In old age the minor salivary glands do not act the same way as in a young person hence produces tenaceous sputum.
With age the muscles too get weak and it is difficult to have clearing so difficult.
Thirdly, the in-coordination of the muscles do start with age adding up to the present problem.
Stop all the foods and beverages which can enhance such a problem.
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How To Deal With Phlegm In Old Age?

Hi. Thanks for your query, read and understood your history and concerns. Such a problem of retained phlegm can be due to the following reasons: In old age the minor salivary glands do not act the same way as in a young person hence produces tenaceous sputum. With age the muscles too get weak and it is difficult to have clearing so difficult. Thirdly, the in-coordination of the muscles do start with age adding up to the present problem. Stop all the foods and beverages which can enhance such a problem.