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Suggest Treatment For Respiratory Pneumonia

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Posted on Fri, 27 Feb 2015
Question: My husband has respitory pnemonia. A swallow test has now been given. They are going to put a feeding tube in because his epiglottis is not functioning. In 2005 he had throat and lymph node cancer and it has now developed too much scarring from the radiation he had. This morning they told us the feeding tube was permanent. We are at a small hospital in a small town. Several hours later the staff dr came bac and told us it may be fixable. Could you give me names of specialists in this field. I do not care how far we must travel. My husband is 66 years old and is an active man. We live in spring lake, mi.
doctor
Answered by Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Radiation fibrosis

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Normally after full or radical dose of Radiotherapy to the neck there is development of radiation fibrosis which leads to the stictures and the need arose for for putting a feeding tube. During this process chances of pneumonia are there.
As your doctor has told you that a permanent feeding tube has to be fixed it can be done in any hospital where a gastroenterologist is available or interventional radiologist is available. It is a minor procedure and can be done as outdoor day care procedure.
So accordingly I advise you to visit any bigger Hospital nearby to your town and get the procedure done.
It could also be done at the place where your husband was planned for Radiotherapy.
Unfortunately these neck cancer patients encounter recurrent pneumonia which could be countered by proper feeding tube insertion. There is no need to travel to a far off place.
Truly,
Dr. j. Ticku
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku

Oncologist

Practicing since :1979

Answered : 490 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Respiratory Pneumonia

Brief Answer: Radiation fibrosis Detailed Answer: Dear XXXX, Normally after full or radical dose of Radiotherapy to the neck there is development of radiation fibrosis which leads to the stictures and the need arose for for putting a feeding tube. During this process chances of pneumonia are there. As your doctor has told you that a permanent feeding tube has to be fixed it can be done in any hospital where a gastroenterologist is available or interventional radiologist is available. It is a minor procedure and can be done as outdoor day care procedure. So accordingly I advise you to visit any bigger Hospital nearby to your town and get the procedure done. It could also be done at the place where your husband was planned for Radiotherapy. Unfortunately these neck cancer patients encounter recurrent pneumonia which could be countered by proper feeding tube insertion. There is no need to travel to a far off place. Truly, Dr. j. Ticku