Main Menu
Management
Mouth and Throat Problems
Mouth and Throat ProblemsKim Olson was introduced to golf by his grandfather at age 10.“I’ve been playing off and on ever since then. I love to play. It’s difficult; it’s humbling; you hit a good shot:there’s nothing quite better than that.”-Kim, PatientKim is driven. So, since he was diagnosed with throat cancer three years ago, Kim’s been determined to keep doingthings he enjoys.“Through this process, I’ve been able to keep playing. It’s a part of my life – it’s being active.”-Kim, PatientHe’s stayed active despite the side effects of Chemotherapy and radiation. Among them: problems in his mouth andthroat.“It became more of an effort to do you know activities of daily living, eating and drinking were no longer possibleas I had in the past.”-Kim, Patient“There are numerous side effects from treatment but it’s really important that you communicate with yourdoctors and the nurses, to make sure that they are aware of what’s going on, so they can help you get throughthis because most of the side effects are manageable.”-Dr. Vishal Gupta, MD, Radiation OncologistThose side effects can include mouth sores - small cuts or ulcers that can be very painful. Special rinses orprescription medications are available that can help. If you’re on chemotherapy, sucking on ice chips before andafter treatment can help keep mouth sores from getting worse. This may not be okay to do with some chemomedicines, so ask your provider first. Also, rinse regularly with an alcohol-free mouthwash. Another common sideeffect: thick saliva.“Saliva has a thin component and a thick component. During treatment, the thin component goes away, so thepatients just have thick saliva left over.”- Dr. Vishal Gupta, MD, Radiation OncologistThis can cause discomfort and interfere with eating, swallowing, and even talking. To thin out saliva: stir a teaspoonof baking soda and a teaspoon of salt into a quart of water – and rinse with it throughout the day. Rinsing withmouthwash or certain other liquids can also provide relief to those with this side effect.“There’s seltzer water or soda water that they can rinse or gargle with. Papaya juice can be used to cut throughthat saliva as well.”- Dr. Vishal Gupta, MD, Radiation OncologistDry mouth is also a possible effect. For relief: drink lots of water. But steer clear of high-sugar beverages such assoda and fruit juice, which can dry out your mouth. Suck on ice chips; and use a cool-mist humidifier, especiallyovernight.“There are some mouth sprays that are available that can help reduce some of the dryness. There are somesugarless candies and lozenges that can work to help stimulate some saliva. But the main thing is to just keepPage 1 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCON1001398 EN MouthAndThroatProblems.pdf© The Wellness NetworkMouth and Throat Problemshydrated.”- Dr. Vishal Gupta, MD, Radiation OncologistCancer treatment can also cause difficulty swallowing, which can make it tough for people to eat – and affecttheir nutrition.“They can have smaller bites of food; they can chew for a little bit longer so that the food is much smallerwhen it goes down; they can use a straw; they can blend their food, or have it puréed; they can drink proteinshakes. Those will all help to increase their calorie intake.”- Dr. Vishal Gupta, MD, Radiation OncologistAnd, finally – cancer treatment can affect your taste buds: some foods may not taste good, or you may lose yoursense of taste temporarily.“As a result, you may limit foods or avoid them altogether. This may lead to nutritional deficiencies orweight loss.”-Kari Ikemoto, Registered Dietician“Green beans with lots of fiber.”Meeting with a nutritionist can help you learn different ways to prepare and season foods.“Adding more herbs, spices, marinades, or sauces can help foods taste better. Things like rosemary,oregano, garlic, onion, ketchup, barbeque sauce, mint can all be flavor enhancers.”- Kari Ikemoto,Registered DieticianNine months after his treatment ended, Kim’s still having problems with taste and other mouth and throatissues. Though in most cases these side effects eventually go away, some can last up to a year, so Kimrecognizes his experience is par for the course.“I'm still hoping my sense of taste will improve, that I'll be able to salivate a little bit better, but my sense isoptimism that my cancer has responded well and that I can still be active.”-Kim, PatientPage 2 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCON1001398 EN MouthAndThroatProblems.pdf© The Wellness Network
This video will teach people the importance of staying hydrated during cancer treatment, and how to get enough fluids.
This video will teach viewers how to manage unpleasant food and drink tastes during cancer treatment.
This video will give a patient some ways to prevent, lessen and cope with hair loss which is a common side effect of cancer treatment.
This video will give a patient some ways to prevent, lessen and cope with the common side effect of nausea and vomiting during cancer treatment.
