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What Causes Sore Tongue Along With Sore Throat And Chest Congestion Post Chemotherapy?
my husband was treated for head/neck cancer last year. he is clear now according to a PET scan. 3 days ago he developed a red sore tongue, sore throat and has a chest cold. he underwent 35 radiation treatments and chemo therapy and has little salivation since the radiation destroyed his salivary glands, about 15% saliva. is it pernicious anemia? bacteria infection due to loss of salivation? just and irritation??
Tue, 28 Feb 2023
Hi,
It is possible that the sore tongue, sore throat, and chest congestion could be due to a bacterial or viral infection, especially since your husband's immune system may still be compromised from the chemotherapy he received.
However, given your husband's history of radiation therapy, the sore tongue could also be due to a condition called radiation-induced mucositis, which is inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the mouth and throat that can occur as a side effect of radiation therapy. In addition, the loss of salivation could make the tongue and throat more vulnerable to irritation and infection and could contribute to the development of symptoms.
Pernicious anemia is a condition where the body can't absorb enough vitamin B12, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including a sore tongue, but it's not typically associated with chest congestion or cold. It's best to have your husband evaluated by his healthcare provider, who can examine him and perform any necessary tests to determine the underlying cause of his symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
It is possible that the sore tongue, sore throat, and chest congestion could be due to a bacterial or viral infection, especially since your husband's immune system may still be compromised from the chemotherapy he received.
However, given your husband's history of radiation therapy, the sore tongue could also be due to a condition called radiation-induced mucositis, which is inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the mouth and throat that can occur as a side effect of radiation therapy. In addition, the loss of salivation could make the tongue and throat more vulnerable to irritation and infection and could contribute to the development of symptoms.
Pernicious anemia is a condition where the body can't absorb enough vitamin B12, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including a sore tongue, but it's not typically associated with chest congestion or cold. It's best to have your husband evaluated by his healthcare provider, who can examine him and perform any necessary tests to determine the underlying cause of his symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Hello,
Yes, it is very common to have sore tongue and sore throat after radiation therapy. The following are my recommendations:
1) For a sore mouth or throat: Choose foods that are soft, wet, and easy to swallow. Soften dry foods with gravy, sauce, or other liquids.
2) Use a blender to make milkshakes or blend your food to make it easier to swallow.
3) Ask about pain medicine, such as lozenges or sprays that numb your mouth and make eating less painful. Avoid foods and drinks that can irritate your mouth; foods that are crunchy, salty, spicy, or sugary; and alcoholic drinks.
4) Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
5) For a dry mouth: Drink plenty of liquids because a dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay and mouth infections.
I don't think it is pernicious anemia. Still you can take tab. Becosules that contain vitamin B complex daily once for 2 months.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
Yes, it is very common to have sore tongue and sore throat after radiation therapy. The following are my recommendations:
1) For a sore mouth or throat: Choose foods that are soft, wet, and easy to swallow. Soften dry foods with gravy, sauce, or other liquids.
2) Use a blender to make milkshakes or blend your food to make it easier to swallow.
3) Ask about pain medicine, such as lozenges or sprays that numb your mouth and make eating less painful. Avoid foods and drinks that can irritate your mouth; foods that are crunchy, salty, spicy, or sugary; and alcoholic drinks.
4) Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
5) For a dry mouth: Drink plenty of liquids because a dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay and mouth infections.
I don't think it is pernicious anemia. Still you can take tab. Becosules that contain vitamin B complex daily once for 2 months.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
I find this answer helpful
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