My dad is 77 (going on 45 yrs)has gone through 7wks of radiation and 5wks of chemo for non-small cell lung cancer treatment. Three wks after treatment a dry cough started it worsened in the last few weeks(dr's prescribed cough syrup trying to avoid steroids. I have learned it is Radiation Pneumonitis, could you please guide me with any type of information that would assist in helping him understand how long this cough may last. Positive mental attitude is critical at this point. My dad had a cough which is how his cancer was identified, during treatment he had no cough, now after treatment the cough comes back he feels like the cancer is back. The cough is a trigger point of bad memories, any help you can offer would be much appreciated.
Thank you , Donna
radiation pneumonitis cough - 1247062
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Reply # - August 19, 2012, 07:45 PM
Reply To: radiation pneumonitis cough
We've had a lot of discussions about it because it's a very common side effect of treatment. Here is a link to several discussions of the topic:
http://cancergrace.org/search-results?q=radiation%20pneumonitis
In truth, the results are quite variable in terms of how readily the cough reverses with time +/- steroids. In some cases, it resolves in a few weeks, while in others it can take months to resolve, and sometimes people continue to have a residual, very chronic cough (though thankfully that happens relatively rarely).
Good luck.
-Dr. West
Reply # - August 20, 2012, 05:13 PM
Reply To: radiation pneumonitis cough
Donna, the steroids used would most likely be prednisone and not the same type used during chemo. This is really the only way to help with the pneumonitis. Wishing him the best.
Take care, Judy
Reply # - August 21, 2012, 12:23 PM
Reply To: radiation pneumonitis cough
I know how incapacitating that cough is/was. I too avoided steroids since my rad. onco. said it doesn't guarantee it'll stop it. So I suffered for months using prescription cough meds until I went to a pulmonologist and he prescribed Flonase and finally it went away. Good luck and God bless to you and your Dad!!!