hi my mother was diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2001 and underwent radiation at the time. Then in 2004 and 2005 she had reconstructive surgery on 2 reoccurances. She got a peg tube in December but has not had to use it until now. She has spent the last 13 days in the hospital with puenmonia and continues to decline. Drs are indicating that she needs to stop all fluids by mouth but all she does is clean her mouth with water, no other liquids since they are feeding via the peg tube. I am at a loss as far as what's next. it seems like a catch 22, stop caring for secretion in mouth or continue the decline with aspiration pneumonia. Any advice would be helpful. It could be the secretion causing the aspiration.

Hi, I'm sorry you are having to deal with this.it sounds like all liquids are running down into her Lungs . Ask the nurse for a Yankeur suction . This is similar to what the dentist uses when he needs to keep the mouth dry while he is doing work in the mouth and to prevent swallowing of secretions.
I would use this while your Mum is cleaning her mouth. I would also use oral sponges on a stick. Don't let her fill her mouth with water. She should be able to get a good clean with the sponges and the suction will suck any moisture away to stop any aspiration from occurring. I'm pretty gob smacked that the Nurses have not offered this.
Thinking of you,
Tammy

Has your mother had a barium swallow test? If not get her one by a speech pathologist. You want to make certain that your mother is physically capable of swallowing correctly. If she isnt then the liquid will go directly into her lungs.

Best wishes!