Lung Radiation

[Marilli]

Hi - I was wondering if someone could tell me if they had radiation to the lung and how it affected you.  My husband had radiation and is so out of breath he can't even go to the bathroom.  He has been given Prednisone, it worked at first and now he is worse than ever. His oxygen isn't that low but they have given him liquid oxygen, thus far, it has not helped one bit.  It has been 7 months since his radiation.  Can anyone give me any info.  Thank you.  Idi

[bhumi123]

Hi,
Well breathlessness or shortness of breath is not uncommon after radiation therapy to the lungs. It is called - Radiation fibrosis which itself is seen secondary to radiation pneumonitis. Radiation pneumonitis presents as shortness of breath, cough and fever and presents 2 weeks to 6 months after radiation therapy. Radiation pneumonitis is reversible and responds to prednisone but once it progresses to radiation fibrosis it is irreversible. You should consult your physician and also try breathing exercises and yoga. Goodluck.

[Marilli]

Hi - Thank you for answering.  It's been 7 months since the radiation.  They said he had pneumonitis and gave him Prednisone.  It helped at first, but it no longer does anything.  I don't know what the normal treatments of radiation to the lung is, but he had a very small spot and 20 treatments.  I think that was too much.  His last Petscan showed more activity in the same area.  Do you know if this can be radiated again? Idi

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Well only your consulting specialist would be able to answer that. But like i said thats what is the course of events usually - radiation causes pneumonitis which responds to prednisone, but is progressive gradually. Once the radiation pneumonitis progresses to radiation fibrosis it is irreversible and does not respond to prednisone. Try to consult your physician whether oxygen would help him. Goodluck.