Please excuse my rambling. I’m so tired 😩.
My mom resides in a healthcare facility. Her doctor was asked about using Claritin for her runny nose. He ordered one tablet of over the counter Claritin given to her every day. It’s still really bad, so much so she at times doesn’t know her nose is running. Also what causes all the saliva build up in her mouth?
She also has issues with “pocketing her food". Before her fall (broke her femur), resulted in a mild stroke, blood clot in leg (it was caught) and early stages of dementia, her nose would run but not this bad.
I’d appreciate your thoughts, information, and suggestions regarding this & what to do or next!
Something is causing your mother to have a reaction. My mom also had food allergies and so we had to have her avoid certain foods. This was much more difficult but it is doable if the staff will cooperate. Allegra seems to be a better antihistamine than Claritin according to pharmacists that I've spoken to. They believe the Allegra is longer acting. But if your mom has chronic exposure to allergens nothings going to help completely. I hope this information helps.
My husband's allergist said that the 24 hour pills are not really strong enough and you need 2 a day when you have problems with symptoms. I would also ask if a decongestant, like generic sudafed, could be tried.
Point out to the doctor that the solution is not working and can he try something else or write a referral to a ENT, or both, as it would be tragic if something happens for want of a little attention.
Just for information, I use the generic Sam's club brand for sudafed and it has been a blessing, it's cheap and effective, usually 1 or 2 pills a day keep me breathing. And I don't experience side effects like I do with name brand.
Please let us know how this gets straightened out for your mom. Oh yeah, bring up her dignity if the doctor hesitates at all.
Hope she gets relief soon. You’re smart to be inquiring about this situation. Take care.
The pocketing of food could be caused by an inability to swallow. Often liquid will run out the nose when someone can't swallow properly.
You can also go the ENT route at the same time. Keep her lips and round her mout well lubricatedor they will get very sore ,peel and split.