Hi there... He needs to see a swallow and speech therapist, he needs to start by trying to swallow thickened liquids and food that are soft. What happens sometimes when people don't continue to try and swallow through treatment, the muscle can atrophy - also sometimes there are issues with the epiglottis. He need to find out what is causing it first. That's why it's ideal even just to try and swallow even just a little fluid during treatment. He needs to start ASAP, even if It means dulling the pain and then trying a bit of thickened stuff. Of course do confirm with your dr. Hugs and welcome.