Side effects of radiotherapy to chest area
Radiotherapy to your chest area may cause some side effects in the treated area, such as difficulty swallowing, cough or shortness of breath.
Difficulty in swallowing and weight loss
With radiotherapy to your lung or oesophagus (food pipe), you may find it hard to swallow solid foods. You may also lose weight as a result. It may help to have a soft, plain diet for a while. If swallowing is very uncomfortable your doctor may prescribe painkillers or liquid medicines or antacids. After about 5 to 8 weeks the discomfort usually disappears.
Cough and shortness of breath
You may notice that you develop a dry or mucus-type cough and some shortness of breath with radiotherapy to your lung or oesophagus.
Sometimes this side-effect may not appear until several months after your treatment. If it happens, you should tell your doctor as soon as possible. It is important to report any changes in your breathing at any time during and after your treatment.
Talk to a Cancer Nurse
Support Line
Our Daffodil Centres
