Possible Side-Effects of Radiation Therapy to the Lungs
Radiation affects normal cells as well as cancer cells. That means you may have side effects. They depend on how much radiation you get and where you get it. Here’s a list of effects that people with lung cancer may have after radiation:
- Fatigue
- Skin changes
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing
Most of these side effects will go away or get better within a few weeks after your treatment ends. Ask your doctor which symptoms, if any, require that you call him or her immediately. For instance, it is wise to call your doctor if you have:
You may feel better during your radiation treatments if you make an extra effort to get plenty of rest and eat healthy meals that are easy to swallow. It is important to try and maintain your weight during treatments for lung cancer.
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