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Heart Attacks, Bypass Surgeries, Stroke, Brain Bleed, Fluids Going Directly To Lungs, Choking On Food
My father had to see a specialist,and they said when he drinks the fluids are going directly to his lungs.and he is always choking on his food when eating. My father has had some health issues 2 heart attacks, 2 bypass surgeries, stroke and a brain bleed .They said he needs to use a thickener in his drinks,is this all they can do?
Tue, 22 May 2012
Hello Markdewolf.
It appears, from your description, that your father is aspirating thin liquids, which is why his physicians are recommending a thickener. Having aspiration can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which can be life threatening. The only other solution to this problem is to stop allowing your father to eat and drink. Nutrition would be accomplished by placing a PEG tube in his stomach which will allow him to receive nutrition bypassing the mouth.
Be well, Dr. Kimberly
It appears, from your description, that your father is aspirating thin liquids, which is why his physicians are recommending a thickener. Having aspiration can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which can be life threatening. The only other solution to this problem is to stop allowing your father to eat and drink. Nutrition would be accomplished by placing a PEG tube in his stomach which will allow him to receive nutrition bypassing the mouth.
Be well, Dr. Kimberly
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