HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Breathing Difficulty With Exertion Due To Radiation Treatments For Lung Cancer?

default
Posted on Mon, 6 Feb 2017
Question: I have recently completed radiation treatments for lung cancer, stage 1 nsclc ,three heart surgerys , Hodgkin's lymphoma with surgery and radiation treatments in 1969. A recent lung function test said moderate restriction and severe gas transfer deficit . I have great difficulty breathing with exertion and sometimes it wakes me at night. Can you explain the breathing problems. Drs say problems are caused by radiation treatments in 1969.


doctor
Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes it could be a result of radiation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

Thanks for posting your query on HCM.

Yes the breathing problems could be a result of radiation that you received in 1969. Radiation may cause fibrosis in the lungs resulting in their shrinkage. This results in breathing difficulty.

I do hope you are not a smoker. Do consult your pulmonologist to rule out any element of COPD as that can be controlled with inhalers. You should also do some deep breathing exercises.

Feel free to ask further.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shashi Dangwal

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :1979

Answered : 1157 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Pulmonologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Is Breathing Difficulty With Exertion Due To Radiation Treatments For Lung Cancer?

Brief Answer: Yes it could be a result of radiation. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX, Thanks for posting your query on HCM. Yes the breathing problems could be a result of radiation that you received in 1969. Radiation may cause fibrosis in the lungs resulting in their shrinkage. This results in breathing difficulty. I do hope you are not a smoker. Do consult your pulmonologist to rule out any element of COPD as that can be controlled with inhalers. You should also do some deep breathing exercises. Feel free to ask further. Take care.