My husband has completed 13/33 IMRT sessions so far and he had trouble across the night last night with a swollen tongue and feels like his throat is "tightening up." Have others had this? We have a call into his physician (actually the person who is covering for him since it's Sat.). He feels like he's gagging. Has anyone had any success in addressing a swollen tongue? Thank you!!

Randi

This is something that should not go unchecked. I wouldnt fool around with this, maybe a trip to the ER to get checked out. Im always cautious about things like this. Its better to go and get checked to make sure everything is ok instead of waiting it out and it is a big problem. Plus, peace of mind is a good feeling!

Your husband is at the point where treatments are beginning to get difficult. Unfortunately they will continue to get harder as the treatments continue. Its a rough road but it is doable! We will help you as much as possible to get thru this.

As a caregiver, dont forget about your own needs. Try to make some time for yourself.

Best wishes!

Yep - the tightening sensation is very common...radiation burns and can cause tightening and fibrosis of the muscles in the throat and tongue area etc... Definitely have it checked out as he could be seriously swollen but it is relatively normal. From day one I felt my scar tissue tightening stretching and yawning may help loosen it a bit. hugs

Thank you so much for your quick responses! The physician told him to take Benadryl and see how he does. If is gets any worse we're to go to the ER. The physician is not sure if the swollen tongue is from an allergic reaction or the radiation. My husband doesn't thinks it's an allergic reaction because he hasn't taken any new meds in the last several days or eaten any new foods. I'll watch him closely today. Thank you!!

Randi

It can also be thrush, basically an oral yeast infection, oral candida, which is common during radiation, and or chemo treatment that may have symptoms of a swollen tongue. Usually the tongue also has a white coating that can be scraped off. It is easily treated, if treated properly, usually by antifungals. Dehydration may do it too. Bring it to the doctor(s), nurses attention during the week. I had my mouth sprayed everyday at my treatment center to help prevent thrush, mucocitis, and last year needed a few IV hydrations during the week by the RO nurse, in addition to the others at chemo, and was actually hospitalized for that, but mainly for a blood transfusion, but things can get out of control quickly.

Good luck.

Thank you! I will ask about that.

I was going to suggest Benedryl in my earlier post. It helps with inflammation. But it also can make him tired and dry his mouth and sinuses creating dry mouth issues.

I hope your husband is doing better now. Usually things get worse at night so if he gets bad again, take him to get checked at the ER.

Good luck!

Definitely be very careful about anything that causes the tongue to swell. My son had that problem and it was the one night I decided to go home instead of staying at my son's house. He awoke in the middle of the night and his tongue was so swollen he couldn't talk or breathe well. He managed to call my daughter (a police officer) and she could tell who it was from the way he was making guttural and choking sounds that he was in trouble. She came right away and took him to the emergency room. They gave him a Benedryl shot and he was ok after that. The doctors told him it was a reaction to medication. After that he kept Benedryl on hand in case of another episode. Make sure the doctor is aware of what's happening.

Thank you all for your responses! It improved but we are still not sure if it was the radiation or an allergic reaction. It did seem to get better with the Benadryl. We've asked to meet with the physician today and will try to figure out what it was. I appreciate your help!

Randi