Is heartburn a side effect of Radiation?

[Bev'sSister]

My sister has had several bouts of heartburn. Her doctor is prescribing something for it today..Just wanted to know if this is normal for someone getting readiation?

[ztweb]

My dad had this, although it wasn't too bad. It went away rather quickly.

Jen

[tnmynatt]

Rads do start to cause irritation in the esophagus resulting in heartburn...sometimes much worse side-effects. Magic mouthwash is usually prescribed to help with irritation along with heartburn medicines. Hope this helps. Take care.

[Marco Jo]

yes- radiation can cause esophagus burns. My sister had a prescription called carafate- a liquid that coats the esohpagus. Her pain was like heartburn or acid reflux. Hope this helps. FI- it didn't seem to last any more than a week!

Marco Jo

[enyaw061032]

I think it could be caused by the cancer and radiation. I had surgery before and ended up going to AN ENT doctor, who tested me and said I had acid reflux, and gave me nexium for it, which has completely stopped it. The heartburn was horrible and in fact, raw bile acid came up in my throat and it was really burning me.

Barb

[blaze100]

Hi Bobby777, She might try drinking iced green tea before and after radiation. I think it would help her sore throat.

I hope they can prescribe something for her heartburn and that it helps soon.

Barb

[Welthy]

Bobby,

They gave my friend something to drink to numb her throat before she ate. They also prescribed heartburn/acid reflux meds. It took some time, but she pulled out of the problem after a few weeks.

Good luck to your Sis.

Welthy