Diet and Dysphagia: Balancing Aspiration Risk with Quality of Life

Authors

• Margot Noyelle, MD, Thomas Jefferson University HospitalFollow
• Kenna Hawes, MD, Thomas Jefferson University HospitalFollow
• J. Marco Cipriaso, MD, Thomas Jefferson University HospitalFollow
• Megan Cecchine, MD, Thomas Jefferson University HospitalFollow

Abstract

Nil per os (NPO) diets are often prescribed for patients who have dysphagia to prevent aspiration pneumonia, but recent studies have questioned the efficacy of such strict recommendations. This case report describes the care provided to a 73-year-old woman with chronic dysphagia who described her inability to eat or drink as the “single greatest agony” of a months-long hospitalization. This report highlights the ethical challenges of determining diet orders for patients with dysphagia.

Recommended Citation

Noyelle, MD, Margot; Hawes, MD, Kenna; Cipriaso, MD, J. Marco; and Cecchine, MD, Megan (2026) "Diet and Dysphagia: Balancing Aspiration Risk with Quality of Life," The Medicine Forum: Vol. 27, Article 16.
Available at: https://jdc.jefferson.edu/tmf/vol27/iss1/16