Preventing pneumonia

Hello @phylissg,
Knowing nothing about your situation, I can only relate my own experience. For approximately one year after receiving radiation for a tumor in the throat (Pyriform Sinus), it was difficult to swallow and breathe. Later, it was determined my vocal cords are paralyzed. The radiation caused extreme mucus which was trapped behind my vocal cords. This was the reason I was on antibiotics for that entire year with constant lung infections. All that trapped mucus was causing it to infect my lungs. Thus, I consented to a life-saving operation and had a Tracheotomy. It has been the best thing, although it was dreaded in the beginning. Now, all that mucus can be easily coughed or suctioned out with no more lung infections. It may be something to consider. Having a Tracheotomy is not as bad as it sounds. Most days, I hardly notice the tube is there. Best Wishes.

It may be worth seeing a pulmonologist from a Lung Center or top hospital near you to find out the cause of the recurring pneumonia. I had recurring pneumonia for approximately two years. I did not have radiation, (I am here for my husband who did), In my case, I had excessive mucus in my bronchial tubes due to damage from pneumonia (bronchiectasis), a serious lung disorder, and it was also discovered I had a precancerous condition which lowered my immunity. Having excess mucus is a petri dish for pneumonia. I had 3 pneumonia shots which didn't work for me. Nevertheless, I was put on azithromycin 500 mg 3X week for 6 months. I also nebulize and take mucinex to keep the mucus to a minimum daily. This kept me from repeated infections and allowed my body to heal. It's been a year now without any pneumonia. Your cause of pneumonia may be different, but it sounds like you should investigate this with expert on lung conditions. Best wishes.

A trach has been mentioned, especially since he can't swallow and keeps getting pneumonia. But not recently. I'll be asking his ENT about that option.