what happens to the esophagus after chemotherapy and radiation?

[Val]

the person cannot eat due to a collection of mucus that keeps developing in the esophagus area. The person has a feeling of fullness and discomfort in the esophageal area. The person cannot continue eating without vomiting this mucus along with some food as well. The person has lost a lot of weight due to not eating enough food.

[tinmuning]

There's a condition called mucositis which is a frequent side effect of chemotherapy. It affects the lining of the digestive system starting from the mouth (as stomatitis) , esophagus, down to the stomach. It makes the patient difficult to swallow, chew food. Recommendations include taking in food that is not too hot or cold, pureed food (some even take Gerber) and drinking through a straw.

Another condition that can happen is thrush which is an infection of the mouth and the patient may find that he.she is producing sticky mucus in the mouth & throat area.

About two to three weeks (but sometimes only a few days) after radiotherapy to the chest has started, one might notice that the chest feels tight, which makes it difficult to swallow solid foods. This is a common reaction to treatment. It may help to try a soft, plain diet supplemented by high-calorie drinks. A specialist may prescribe painkillers or liquid medicines (such as Asilone®, Maalox® or Altacite Plus®) to be taken before meals to make eating less uncomfortable. The discomfort will usually get better on its own in about five to eight weeks.