My Dad within the last month age 77- was taken to the hospital for pneumonia, after a bout of bronchitis, he was getting weak and very off balance and falling. They put in a feeding tube during the time of recovery, as he need to be put on a breathing machine to assist (not full life support). When that bout was over, he was sent to a Rehabilitation Hospital, he was over fed his first meal, and to my understanding, not the appropriate foods to begin with, and that night, he was rushed back to ER as he struggled to breathe, and found the food had aspirated in his lungs while he was asleep. Few days later, after the contents were clear of lungs, (had xrays, stress test-due to shortness of breath prior to hospitalization, barium swallow test, full GI-every thing was clear), again back to the Rehabilitation Hospital for swallowing therapy-was doing well for past two weeks, until night before last while sleeping, he aspirated again, sending him back to the ER. He went for more tests, as they again are clearing out the gastric contents in his lungs. Tests indicated today, his esophagus is retaining food? And also that the flap near the throat swallowing muscle is also retaining some of the fluids he drinks- was told he can't have thin liquids like water, only textured drinks. What are causes of and treatment or surgery on the esophagus that is retaining the food content? Same for the flap? We are just scared that if and when he comes home, that someone will need to be awake 24/7 to make sure he doesn't start aspirating again, seems like textured drinks would still be retained just as much as thin liquids. Our heads and the doctors heads are just spinning and at a loss as to explain, how or what is causing this. Thank you in advance.