To help someone with Parkinson's disease who is having difficulty swallowing and has just recovered from aspiration pneumonia, consider the following steps based on the knowledge base:

1. Consult a Neurologist and Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
- Inform the neurologist about the swallowing difficulties. They can Show Full Answer

To help someone with Parkinson's disease who is having difficulty swallowing and has just recovered from aspiration pneumonia, consider the following steps based on the knowledge base:

1. Consult a Neurologist and Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP):
- Inform the neurologist about the swallowing difficulties. They can refer you to an SLP for specialized treatment.
- The SLP will evaluate the swallowing issues and may recommend a video X-ray or endoscopy to assess the swallowing muscles.

2. Swallowing Interventions:
- Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT): This therapy helps strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing.
- Swallow Test: Request a barium swallow test to pinpoint the dysfunction and tailor treatments accordingly.

3. Eating and Drinking Adjustments:
- Take small sips of drinks and small bites of food.
- Change the thickness or texture of foods.
- Eat and drink when medication is most effective.
- Sit up straight while eating and drinking.
- Reduce distractions during meals.
- Swallow saliva regularly to control drooling.
- Keep the mouth closed while eating and drinking.

4. Medication Management:
- Ensure Parkinson’s medications are optimized, as they can improve swallowing function. Report any side effects to the healthcare provider.

5. Prevent Aspiration Pneumonia:
- Regularly screen swallowing abilities.
- Follow precautions to prevent aspiration, such as the adjustments mentioned above.

6. Monitor for Symptoms:
- Watch for signs of aspiration pneumonia, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or fever, and seek medical attention promptly if they occur.

By following these steps, you can help manage the swallowing difficulties and reduce the risk of further complications.

 This AI-generated response comes from MyParkinsonsTeam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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