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Suggest Treatment For Dry Mouth After Chemotherapy

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Posted on Mon, 13 Jun 2016
Question: I suffer from a very dry mouth caused by chemo and radiation treatments. What? can i do
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Answered by Dr. Deepak (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Symptomatic treatment only.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Welcome to HCM.
Thank you for the query.
I can understand your problem.

For these conditions we recommend mainly symptomatic approach.
There are few steps that you can follow to avoid Xerostemia ( dryness of mouth).
1. keep yourself hydrated all the time. Drink plenty of fluids.
2. Keep your surrounding cool. Maintain cool temperature which is the main key to avoid dryness. Use cool mist humidifier.
3. Try using sugar free gum to stimulate salivation. If salivary glands are affected due to radiation you can go for Salivary substitutes. You can discuss these with your treating doctor.
4. Avoid dry foods, hot food products (always use lukewarm temperature food)
5. Avoid tea, caffiene, carbonated drinks.
6. There are some antodotes specific for particular chemthrapy which can avoid side effects. For ex folic acid is supplemented if you are on methotrexate or amifostine is given if you are on cisplatin etc. You can discuss these with your treating doctor.

Hope this helps.
Regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak
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Answered by
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Dr. Deepak

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 149 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Dry Mouth After Chemotherapy

Brief Answer: Symptomatic treatment only. Detailed Answer: Hello. Welcome to HCM. Thank you for the query. I can understand your problem. For these conditions we recommend mainly symptomatic approach. There are few steps that you can follow to avoid Xerostemia ( dryness of mouth). 1. keep yourself hydrated all the time. Drink plenty of fluids. 2. Keep your surrounding cool. Maintain cool temperature which is the main key to avoid dryness. Use cool mist humidifier. 3. Try using sugar free gum to stimulate salivation. If salivary glands are affected due to radiation you can go for Salivary substitutes. You can discuss these with your treating doctor. 4. Avoid dry foods, hot food products (always use lukewarm temperature food) 5. Avoid tea, caffiene, carbonated drinks. 6. There are some antodotes specific for particular chemthrapy which can avoid side effects. For ex folic acid is supplemented if you are on methotrexate or amifostine is given if you are on cisplatin etc. You can discuss these with your treating doctor. Hope this helps. Regards.