Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition, presents with various motor and non-motor symptoms. A persistent cough can be a challenging issue. This article explores factors contributing to a Parkinson’s cough and outlines management approaches.
Understanding the Parkinson’s Cough
A Parkinson’s cough stems from several mechanisms. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a primary cause, leading to food, liquids, or saliva entering the airway. This triggers a cough reflex. Dysphagia results from weakened throat muscles, impairing coordinated swallowing.
Impaired respiratory muscle function is another factor. Parkinson’s affects breathing muscles, including those in the chest wall, reducing inspiratory and expiratory strength. This makes it difficult to generate an effective cough to clear mucus or aspirated material. A less forceful cough increases pneumonia risk.
Vocal cord dysfunction also plays a role, as affected muscles may lead to incomplete closure or atrophy. This compromises airway protection during swallowing and impacts cough effectiveness. Non-motor symptoms like increased saliva production or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can irritate the throat, stimulating a cough. Saliva accumulation due to reduced swallowing frequency contributes to irritation and coughing.
Medical Management Strategies
Addressing a Parkinson’s cough involves a multi-pronged medical approach, starting with a neurologist’s assessment. Medication adjustments may be considered if Parkinson’s medications contribute to the cough or if optimizing treatment improves related motor symptoms like swallowing difficulties. A neurologist can evaluate the treatment plan for modifications.
Speech-language pathology (SLP) plays a central role in managing swallowing and voice issues contributing to coughing. Speech therapists conduct swallowing assessments to identify problems and provide targeted therapy. Techniques like Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) improve vocal loudness, speech clarity, and swallowing function, including airway protection.
Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) strengthens respiratory muscles, improving cough effectiveness and swallowing safety by generating a more forceful cough to clear the airway and reduce aspiration risk. Physical therapy improves posture and respiratory support, aiding effective coughing and breathing. Managing co-occurring conditions like GERD or allergies with medical treatments, such as acid-reducing medications or antihistamines, can alleviate throat irritation and reduce cough frequency.
Everyday Strategies and Home Remedies
Maintaining good hydration helps manage a cough by thinning mucus and preventing throat dryness, making it easier to clear secretions. Drink adequate water daily, and consider foods with high water content.
Using a humidifier, especially in the bedroom, adds moisture to the air, soothing dry, irritated nasal passages and throats. Moist air thins thick mucus, making it easier to expel and reducing the urge to cough. Sucking on lozenges or hard candies stimulates saliva production and increases swallowing frequency, helping clear the throat.
Avoiding environmental irritants like smoke, strong perfumes, or known allergens can reduce throat irritation that triggers coughing. Practicing good posture improves lung capacity and respiratory function, supporting effective breathing and coughing. During meals, taking small sips of water with food and focusing on swallowing can help prevent aspiration. Managing saliva by consciously swallowing or using strategies like sugarless candy can reduce phlegm buildup and coughing.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Seek medical attention if a cough persists or worsens despite management strategies. Certain symptoms warrant immediate consultation, including a cough with fever, which may indicate infection. Shortness of breath or chest pain are concerning signs requiring prompt medical evaluation.
Coughing up blood is a serious symptom requiring immediate medical attention. Significant, unexplained weight loss alongside a cough should also be investigated. These symptoms could signal underlying issues unrelated to Parkinson’s or indicate a disease complication. A healthcare professional can diagnose the cause and recommend interventions.