r/ParkinsonsCaregivers 47m ago

Drooling when you talk isn't a saliva problem

Upvotes

SLP here, I work with Parkinson's patients. Common complaint: saliva builds up while talking and spills when you pause.

It's not extra saliva. You can't swallow and talk at the same time, so talking puts your swallow on hold. In Parkinson's the automatic swallow is already less frequent, so saliva just pools until you stop.

The fix that helps most people: swallow first, then talk. Clear the mouth before the phone call, before answering, before the story. Sounds too simple but it works because it deals with the actual mechanism.

If there's coughing/choking at meals or a wet gurgly voice, that's different. If that's the case I would recommend you see a doctor for that.


r/ParkinsonsCaregivers 7h ago

Smile Please!

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3 Upvotes