Aspiration (or worse, silent aspiration where the patient does not know he has aspirated) is dangerous. The patient may end up with severe pneumonia which may cause death, especially in patients who have been weakened by cancer treatment. That was what happened to my husband.

His esophagus was closed by scarring after radiation and he was on a feeding tube. Not happy with the situation, he sought out an interventional radiologist who did a new procedure on him to open up the esophagus. The whole time, while he was searching for the doctor, my husband was doing his swallowing exercises. After his esophagus was opened, he was able to eat very soft, puréed food. That, unfortunately, lasted for only half a year. He developed silent aspiration and kept having bouts of pneumonia. He was warned not to take anything by mouth. In general he tried, but I know there were times when he sneaked a sip or two of soda. He ended up with severe pneumonia and passed away.

I know how tough it is to not eat by mouth, especially on social occasions. We, however, need to balance the risks with fulfilling our desires. The swallowing muscles, if not used, become atrophied. That’s another that needs to be considered.