How to Recover Quickly After Head and Neck Radiotherapy: A Practical Guide from "Eating" to "Nurturi

How to Recover Quickly After Head and Neck Radiotherapy: A Practical Guide from "Eating" to "Nurturing"

After head and neck radiotherapy ends, issues like dry mouth, sore throat, swallowing discomfort, and sensitive skin often make the road to recovery challenging. In fact, scientific approaches to "eating" and "nurturing" can significantly speed up rehabilitation, helping you suffer less and return to normal life sooner. Today's guide, covering dietary adjustments to daily care, aims to help you regain your strength more effectively.

First, Tackle the Challenge of "Eating": Getting Nutrition In for Recovery Strength​​

Sore and fragile oral mucosa and painful swallowing are common after radiotherapy. "What to eat" and "how to eat" directly impact nutrient intake. Remember the three principles: "soft/puréed, lukewarm/moist, and high-nutrition," while avoiding spicy, very hot, or hard foods.

Try these specific strategies:

•​​ Choose the Right Food Texture​​: Make nutrient-rich foods like multigrain congee, vegetable purées, meat pastes, and steamed egg custard your staples for carbohydrates and protein. These options are easy to swallow, minimize irritation to the mucosa, and are easily digested 39. For fruits, prioritize soft varieties like bananas or papayas, or serve them as lukewarm or cool fruit purées. Avoid strongly acidic fruits like oranges and lemons which can worsen pain.

• ​​Mind Temperature and Seasoning​​: Keep food temperature around 37°C, close to body temperature, as excessively hot food can scald the damaged mucosa. Seasoning should be mild; use a small amount of salt or light soy sauce for flavor, but avoid刺激性 ingredients like chili pepper, Sichuan pepper, or mustard, as well as fried and barbecued foods.

• ​​Supplement Nutrition Little and Often​​: If you can't eat much at one time, split three main meals into 5-6 smaller meals, eating every 2-3 hours 37. If you experience dry mouth and throat, drink a small amount of lukewarm rice water or plain water before meals to moisten the mouth. After meals, gargle with mild salt water to clean the mouth. This helps alleviate discomfort and ensures nutritional intake remains uninterrupted.

Then, Focus on the Details of "Nurturing": Protect Skin and Mucosa to Reduce Complications​​

Beyond diet, caring for the skin and mucous membranes in the head and neck area is crucial. Improper care can lead to infections and delay recovery. Keep these key points in mind.

• Skin Care: Gentle Cleansing, Avoiding Irritation​​: The skin in the radiotherapy area becomes sensitive, dry, and may even turn red or peel. When cleansing, use warm water to rinse gently; avoid soaps, shower gels, or other cleansers. When drying, use a soft towel to pat the area dry gently; do not rub. When going out, wear a wide-brimmed hat or use a breathable scarf for coverage to avoid direct sunlight. Also, avoid applying sunscreen, face creams, or other skincare products containing chemicals that might irritate the skin.

• ​​Mucosa Care: Relieving Dry Mouth, Maintaining Cleanliness​​: Dry mouth is a common side effect. Carry water with you and drink small amounts frequently. You can also suck on sugar-free jelly or sugar-free throat lozenges to stimulate saliva production. After meals, gargle with mild salt water or a mouthwash recommended by your doctor, 3-4 times a day, to reduce oral bacteria and prevent mouth ulcers.

​​Lifestyle Habits: Rest More, Avoid Fatigue​​: The body is relatively weak during recovery. Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep per day and avoid staying up late. Try to avoid holding your head down or looking up for extended periods to reduce strain on neck muscles. Speak softly when possible, avoiding overusing your voice, to allow the throat mucosa ample rest.

Recovery after radiotherapy is a gradual process; don't seek a "quick fix." As long as you adhere to scientific dietary and care methods, your body will gradually improve. If severe difficulties swallowing, skin breakdown, fever, or other concerning symptoms occur during this process, be sure to contact your doctor promptly and do not try to endure it hard.

Preliminary Review: Zhang Lihong

 Final Review: Zhang Jie