9 weeks since end of Radiotherapy -- Still got Cough & bringing up Phlegm

[Beatless]

The title says it!

questions:-

1 In general how long does the cough last?

2 What causes the Phlegm

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Beatless

Sorry to hear you have an ongoing cough with phlegm. Any irritation to the lung tissue can cause both the cough and the phlegm. For some people it can last 8-10 weeks.

If your phlegm is yellow, green or tinged with blood, do let the oncology team know or your GP.

This link will take you to our booklet on radiotherapy: roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

You may wish to discuss this with your lung cancer nurse specialist.

You may find this link on 'managing your lung cancer symptoms' helpful: roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

If there is anything else you would like to discuss you can either email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

Hope you feel better soon.

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Beatless in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

The Phlgem is white but what is causing it?

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle in reply to Beatless]

Hi Beatless

Radiotherapy can cause some inflammation and changes in the lung tissue, which can produce more mucous, coughing is the body's way of getting rid of it from the lungs.

If the mucous/phlegm is yellow or green it could indicate an infection.

If you are coughing a lot of phlegm up it would be advisable to let your oncologist or lung cancer nurse know.

Some people have this immediately after their course has completed, some months later. If it is ongoing it is worth getting this checked out especially if you are getting more short of breath.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact if you would like to discuss anything either by emailing ask the nurse at [e-mail] or our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

Hope you feel better soon.

The Roy Castle Support Team

[petrabbit]

Sorry been a while since I had radiotherapy can’t help you here. Have you tried your Cancer nurse ?

[Hidden]

Hello there. I think you have good advice there from the partner. It’s 4years plus since I had my radiotherapy. That was straight after the chemo. I actually felt quite reasonable throughout and immediately after the chemo, but really wiped out with the radiotherapy. Perhaps it was cumulatave. I’ve been told since that it does cause scarring. Perhaps you could do with a course of antibiotics ? Don’t be shy to ask! It does sound like you maybe have a nasty old chest infection - of course , I’m no doctor, but I am still here 5 years on .Very best wishes to you.

[Beatless in reply to Hidden]

I will ask Oncologist about Anti Bio's when I see him next week.

Thanks for help

[DudleyBoy]

I would not be surprised if the cough and related phlegm is due to a respiratory condition other than cancer.

[Beatless in reply to DudleyBoy]

Dudley,

Oncologist says it's related to Lung Radiotherapy, current situation, waiting for Scan as I have growth on brain