Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Hi. Has anyone had experience with choking? My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about 2 yesrs ago and is starting to choke a lot

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Adamsville, RI
April 28
 · 
Reactions
MyParkinsonsTeam

Choking and swallowing difficulties (called dysphagia) are unfortunately quite common with Parkinson's. A MyParkinsonsTeam member shared, "I recently started choking on my own spit, and for the first time ever, I got really scared because I couldn't get any air." So your husband is definitely not alone in this.

Parkinson's Show Full Answer

Choking and swallowing difficulties (called dysphagia) are unfortunately quite common with Parkinson's. A MyParkinsonsTeam member shared, "I recently started choking on my own spit, and for the first time ever, I got really scared because I couldn't get any air." So your husband is definitely not alone in this.

Parkinson's affects the nerves and muscles involved in swallowing, which is why this happens. It can range from mild (taking longer to eat) to more serious (choking episodes). The most important first step is to speak with his neurologist right away. Here's what they may recommend:

- Referral to a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) — they specialize in swallowing difficulties and can create a personalized treatment plan
- A swallow test — such as a barium swallow test or video X-ray to pinpoint exactly where the problem is occurring
- Medication review — medications like levodopa can help ease muscle stiffness and may improve swallowing
- Thickening liquids — an SLP may suggest this to reduce choking risk

It's really important not to delay, as untreated swallowing problems can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, or a lung infection called aspiration pneumonia, which is a serious risk for people with Parkinson's.

April 28
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I’m not medically trained to know the proper terminology but I was tested by my speech therapist. In simple words, I choke on food, pills and liquids because my breathing flap and swallowing flap don’t close up tight enough between the two actions. That’s how things I should be swallowing get into my windpipe.

May 13
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

My father used to choke a lot. Get help because it can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which is dangerous. As AI stated, a speech therapist may be able to help if they have experience with swallowing issues. Changing what is eaten and drunk may be necessary.

April 29

Related Questions

View All

problem with swallowing

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Royal Palm Beach, FL
February 27, 2018

Coughing and Chocking on foods

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Melbourne, AU
May 21, 2016

Is Parkinson’s Painful? Describing the Experience
Dealing With Anger Outbursts and Parkinson’s: Can It Cause Aggressive Behavior?
8 Tips for Using a Cell Phone With Parkinson’s
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In