What are the reactions to radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma? How to provide dietary care after radiotherapy?

What is the radiotherapy response of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? How to provide dietary care after radiotherapy?

Although the adjacent structures of the nasopharynx have a high tolerance to radiation, there are still some sequelae caused by radiation, especially in patients with sufficient or excessive radiation, including radiation dryness of the mouth, radiation damage to the nervous system, etc.

Common nasopharyngeal carcinoma reactions after radiotherapy:

① Systemic reactions: including fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, tastelessness or odor changes in the mouth, insomnia or drowsiness, etc. Some patients may experience blood changes, especially leukopenia. Although the degree varies, it can usually be overcome and completed with symptomatic treatment. Take vitamin B1, B6, C, metoclopramide, etc. if necessary. 3×109/L suspend radiotherapy.

②Local reactions: including skin, mucous membranes and salivary glands.

Complications after radiotherapy not only hit NPC patients physically and mentally, but also significantly affect their quality of life. Some patients even die from complications of radiotherapy such as nasopharyngeal hemorrhage after radiotherapy. Although radiotherapy has a good therapeutic effect on nasopharyngeal cancer, the toxic side effects during and after radiotherapy seriously affect the patient's future quality of life.

In terms of dietary care, patients should first be encouraged to drink more water, light drinks, juice, milk, etc. during radiotherapy. The staple food should be semi-liquid or soft food, and the side dishes should be fresh vegetables and fruits.

The diet should be light and sweet, and don't drink too cold water to avoid hurting the stomach. Plums, monk fruit, olives, green fruits, etc. can stimulate saliva secretion and relieve dryness symptoms.

After radiotherapy, you should maintain a normal nutritional level and a balanced diet. Patients need to eat high-calorie, high-quality protein, vitamin-rich foods, such as fish, milk, mushrooms, etc., but they should also eat more fresh vegetables, green leafy vegetables are better. A high-nutrition diet refers to a diet that is high in protein, high in calories, high in vitamins, and high in inorganic salts.