How to Stop Coughing When Taking Radiation Treatments

Radiation therapy is a localized treatment for various forms of tumors. Radiation that centers on areas of the body involving the lungs, throat, larynx, esophagus, trachea or mouth may cause an inflammation or infection of the mucous membranes called mucositis. Mucositis produces a cough, which can be distressing to the patient. Side effects of radiation therapy, including the cough, will disappear in the weeks following treatment, but while the cough persists, it is disturbing and uncomfortable. There are treatments available that can help alleviate radiation-induced coughing.

Things You'll Need

• Prescriptions for needed medications and remedies

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Instructions

Alleviating a Radiation-Induced Cough

• 1

  Maintain a good level of hydration. This may mean receiving intravenous fluids if there are signs of dehydration. Drink water constantly throughout the day.

• 2

  Eat soft foods that don't irritate the digestive tract.

• 3

  Discuss possible medication alternatives with the attending physician.

  Corticosteroids are sometimes indicated, as are analgesic mixtures.

  If an infection has developed, the physician may prescribe antibiotics.

• 4

  Research some of the natural herbs that have been found useful for easing coughs. They include marshmallow, licorice, aniseed, fritillaria and loquat.

  These are natural herbs; however, the attending physician should be consulted to ascertain that none of these herbs conflicts with the radiation treatments or any other medications that the patient is taking.

• 5

  Discuss possible homeopathic treatments for coughs with a qualified homeopathic practitioner. Homeopathic remedies that have been successful in treating coughs include aconite, antimonium, bryonia, drosera and rumex.

  Work with a homeopath in conjunction with the attending physician. Homeopathic remedies are, in general, compatible with Western medicine, but it is important to ensure that nothing is being used that could counteract or conflict with the radiation treatments.

• 6

  Eat sea vegetables such as nori, kombu, hijiki and arame, which have been found to counter the effects of radiation.

• 7

  Drink lotus root tea and black soybean tea and eat loquats, Chinese/Japanese pears and almonds and jujube fruits. These are all used in Chinese medicine to treat coughs.

  Discuss use of these treatments with the attending physician to ensure nothing will interfere with the radiation treatments.