This leaflet answers common questions about eating and drinking with acknowledged risks.

A speech and language therapist or doctor will explain the information to you and answer any questions you may have.

What is eating and drinking with acknowledged risks?

Eating and drinking with acknowledged risks is the decision to continue eating and drinking despite the associated risks from having dysphagia.

Dysphagia is a swallowing problem that can be a symptom of a variety of health conditions. It can impact your ability to chew, move food and drink around your mouth and/or your ability to pass it down your throat to your oesophagus (food pipe). 

Risks associated with dysphagia may refer to aspiration, where solids or liquids go the wrong way towards the lungs instead of the stomach, malnutrition, dehydration and/or choking. These risks vary between individuals and may change over time.

How is the decision made?

The decision to eat and drink with acknowledged risks is made by the patient and the treating team. If the patient does not have capacity to make the decision, it is a person-centred decision by their next of kin and treating team.

There can be various reasons why this decision is made. These include advanced stages of illness or when preferred food and drink takes priority over swallowing safety.

Alternative nutrition, such as a feeding tube, may not be appropriate or present a high risk for some people.

What next?

The speech and language therapist will support you in deciding what food and drinks are most appropriate for you. The medical team will discuss with you how this decision fits with any treatment plans for associated illnesses/problems e.g., aspiration pneumonia.

Do you have any further questions?

Please discuss with your speech and language therapist or treating team.