Mom, 84 has developed laryngitis that lasts weeks even before moving to AL. We’ve joking referred to it as “selective speech” because it can come and go during conversation or go on for days. Her Drs do not offer anything new to try but I am convinced this is real because she’s developed a dry cough as well. Any ideas? Is it possible a legionaries type air contamination?
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Did she move from one city to another? My dad gets sick everytime he goes on a road trip. If not treated, he gets pneumonia. So frustrating that he keeps on traveling and round and round it goes.
Just read all posts, dry air should be dealt with 1st. I bought a humidifier that has a filter ball so I can use just tap water which makes it easier to keep running. Auto shut off and 48 hour run time. They have come a long way.
I would check allergies also. New laundry products, cleaning supplies or perfume could cause these symptoms.
Let us know how it sorts out.
Gas heat is a dry heat. We have a humidifier on our heating unit to help with this. Check the filter in her heating/ac unit if in her room. May need changing.
There were times before I got used to "medical air" when I would lose energy just trying to stay hydrated; I headed for the fountain as soon as I reached my destination. Locating fountains in hospitals and care facilities was a priority!
Buy a reasonably priced hygrometer, which shows temperature and relative humidity. The latter will vary by location, and in a home will vary by season as well as furnace temp settings.
When the humidity gets below, say 35, I find it too dry for me. It wouldn't surprise me if the humidity in a care facility is down around 15 or 20.
If this is the issue, buy a good humidifier; you can get them at Lowes or HD. Water would have to be added on a regular basis, so that could be an issue. But if the care staff is good, you might be able to have someone arrange to do that on a regular basis.
(Given the pace of tech progress, there may be humidifiers that have greater moisture capacity, or don't have to be filled regularly.)
Plants can also humidify air:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/houseplants-that-increase-humidity.htm provides some insight on this benefit.
(If the URL is deleted, do a search on "plants which humidify air.")
There are also natural stone room air humidifiers, but I don't know how well they work.
Good luck, and please let us know if you find the cause is in fact low humidity.
The dry cough is my first asthma response, losing my voice is my second (don't get the tight chest).
I can get this with cold air, humid air & very offen in cold air-conditioned places (yeah my lungs are super fussy).
I'd be wanting that air conditioning checked for legionairies for peace of mind maybe too.
Another thought: my DH used to be always losing his voice - sometimes had reflux which seemed to be a factor. He was told there is a silent reflux that can cause cough & hoarness.
Has she had a chest xray? Did she have a TB test before moving into AL?