Radiotherapy is a common treatment for esophageal and head and neck cancers, but it can cause side effects like sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
Cancer, particularly oral, throat, or esophageal cancer, and its treatments can narrow the esophagus, leading to swallowing difficulties. This may also occur as a short-term side effect of treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which can cause oral ulcers, infections, and other complications. You might experience gagging, coughing, or even feel like you’re choking while swallowing. Some people feel as if food is stuck in their throat, increasing the risk of choking.
You don’t have to suffer through sore throat and pain while swallowing. Talk to your doctor about your discomfort. They may prescribe non-opioid pain relievers like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or NSAIDs to help reduce pain and swelling.
Here are some simple tips to help managing these symptoms:
A sore throat can make you lose your appetite. Eating cold or room temperature foods can help soothe your throat. Try frozen aloe vera or pineapple juice ice cubes. Stay away from hot foods, as they can burn your throat. Also, avoid salty or spicy foods that can irritate it.
If you have trouble swallowing, make sure to sit up straight at a 90-degree angle while eating or drinking. Lean slightly forward and lower your head when swallowing to help prevent food from going down the wrong way. Focus on eating to avoid choking. Caregivers should watch the patient's eating habits closely; if the patient seems to struggle, it may be best to take a break before continuing.
If you have difficulty swallowing, it's important to adjust your portion sizes and take small bites. Take your time while eating, chew your food thoroughly before swallowing, and avoid gulping it down. Make sure there are no food pieces left in your mouth before taking another bite. Sipping water or another drink between bites can also help make swallowing easier.
To help improve swallowing, you can try some oral exercises. Here are a few exercises you can do:
These exercises can help with swallowing difficulties.
If you have trouble moving your tongue or chewing, try using liquid foods or nutritional supplements. You can use a spoon, a thicker straw, or a small syringe to help get food to your throat. Consider taking nutritional supplements that are high in calories and protein, such as milk powders and shakes, to enhance your nutrition.
Tobacco is known to cause cancer and can reduce the effectiveness of radiotherapy, making cancer treatment less successful. Alcoholic drinks can also irritate your throat and slow down your recovery after radiotherapy. Because of this, it’s important to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating foods that may irritate your throat while undergoing treatment.
Many believe that those with swallowing difficulties should eat minced meals, chopped meat, thin porridge, soft tofu, or steamed egg custard. However, these foods may not be suitable for individuals with moderate to severe swallowing issues. Minced food can scatter in the mouth, making it hard to swallow. Thin porridge is liquid and can cause choking if not swallowed quickly enough.
