HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Excess Coughing Up Phylem Post Radiation For Tonsil Cancer?

My boyfriend just finished radiation for tonsil cancer and he has excess phylem. Every time he eats a little something he can t stop spitting/coughing up phylem. He has been having chicken brith with noodles & scrambled eggs. Tried protein shakes because he lost 20 pounds but those gave him even more phylem. Can you suggest anything?
Wed, 10 Dec 2014
Report Abuse
Pulmonologist 's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
In my opinion you should first consult pulmonologist and get done chest x ray and CT THORAX (if needed) to rule out lung infection and radiation pneumonitis.
Radiotherapy makes person immunosuppressive, so chances of lung infection ( pneumonia ) are very high. So chest x ray is needed.
Another possibility for your cough is radiation pneumonitis. It is not infection but inflammation produced in lung parenchyma by radiation. So tissue edema develops and this causes coughing.
CT THORAX is needed for diagnosis. And steroids are the only treatment for this.
So better to consult pulmonologist and discuss all these.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Tonsil cancer


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Excess Coughing Up Phylem Post Radiation For Tonsil Cancer?

Thanks for your question on HCM. In my opinion you should first consult pulmonologist and get done chest x ray and CT THORAX (if needed) to rule out lung infection and radiation pneumonitis. Radiotherapy makes person immunosuppressive, so chances of lung infection ( pneumonia ) are very high. So chest x ray is needed. Another possibility for your cough is radiation pneumonitis. It is not infection but inflammation produced in lung parenchyma by radiation. So tissue edema develops and this causes coughing. CT THORAX is needed for diagnosis. And steroids are the only treatment for this. So better to consult pulmonologist and discuss all these.