Multiple System Atrophy and coughing

Hi Liz, I found this response on RareConnect re coughing and MSA. https://www.rareconnect.org/en/community/multiple-system-atrophy/learn/faq/i-cough-and-choke-after-meals "This could be a sign that you have a problem swallowing. Coughing is a normal reaction to help prevent food going into your lungs and causing infection. A speech therapist can assess the strength of your swallow and together with a dietician will advise on the best type of food for you."

I also read that chewing gum can help. Do you have a speech therapist?

Thank you Colleen for the information. I am not sure if we have a speech therapist here but will find out. Might find one in the city near by. <br><br>Regards Liz

Hi Liz (@pec2884), to piggyback off of Colleen's comments, The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) may be a resource for locating a speech therapist or finding out more about swallowing problems. Likewise, maybe The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition might be able to point you in the direction of more information as well?
http://www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/Swallowing-Disorders-in-Adults/
https://www.multiplesystematrophy.org/

Thank you @caretothepeople. I will research the web sites you have mentioned. I live in South Africa so will have to research here mainly. Regards Liz

Dear Liz, thank you for your information on your condition. My husband is the one with cerebral atrophy. He is walking with a cane now. He uses it all of the time. He is having trouble swallowing and does have a cough sometimes with swallowing. The doctor told him he would probably die of pneumonia related to aspiration in lung when swallowing. He has a large three wheel bike which he rides everyday. It's like a large tricycle. He just turned 78 and is just grateful that he is the age he is and not younger with a job and kids in college. Please keep in touch with me! Noreen

HI @ howardjames I thought I had lost touch with you. I think I belong to many sites and get confused at times. I am told I spend too much time researching but what the heck I would rather know what is in store for me and make plans. I was amazed that your husband was told he had so few years as my GP and Neuro keep away from any prognosis. I am always told I could fall under a bus, have a heart attack or be involved in a car crash. I am very healthy except for the MSA. I know the most papers state a prognosis of 6-10 yrs. Cerebral atrophy (aka MSA maybe) is very rare -3-4 in 100,000 persons is quoted.
My speech is not affected yet but my swallowing might be starting to show symptoms with these coughing fits. Balance and gait is deteriorating, faitgue is increasing, no bowel problems yet and very early bladder problems. I am having more days of lightheadedness which makes it difficult to concentrate. I do have days of deep depression and apathy but thank goodness not too often. The only medication I take at the moment concerning MSA is an anti-depressant which I dont think I can do without.
I would like to know when one's upper limbs starting showing signs of deterioration. A very special lady, Sonja van Rhyn lives near Cape Town and is now very disabled. She was diagnosed with MSA in 2010 .She has a most uplifting blog she has kept since 2010. It is rearly worth a Google. Her friend Karen has been her inspiration and companion as is now typing her blog for her. MSA in SA with Sonja van Rhyn is the title.
So the fight back continues with some swimming, cycling and Pilates. Amazing how much better your feel mentally and physically after some exercise.
My best wishes to your husband- keep at it. I am not so far behind you as I am 74. I must also try and contact @dmkmom04.
Regards Liz

Hi all, I just discovered the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition https://www.multiplesystematrophy.org/ an amazing resource for patients, caregivers, family and friends.

I especially appreciate this blog post by Jackie Vandenberg, who lives with MSA offering tips on how to communicate with her or someone like her.
- How To Communicate With Multiple System Atrophy Patients https://www.multiplesystematrophy.org/blog/how-to-ommunicate-with-msa-patients

Hi Liz @pec2884 How are you?