I am 19 years old. I took treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma of radiation and chemotherapy. Radiation 35 sittings in month of may-june. chemotherapy 3 cycles. From past six months I am not able to eat solid food. Salivary glands have to reactivate. Now what should I do. From when can I eat and how to reactivate my salivary glands.

Dr. Neetu SinghalOncologist19yrs exp

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Usually within two to three months time the salivary functions are regained to a great extent post treatment, however it all depends od the extent of disease and nodal status and dose of radiation to major salivary glands. Meanwhile you can try with artificial salivary preparation like mouth wet /aqwet spray to keep your mouth lubricated. You must gargle regularly and take steam inhalation to reduce inflammation. Chewing gums, sour food, chewing rubbery materials some times augments salivary secretions. Always take solid food accompanied by some liquid drinks like buttermilk, juices, water, milk etc so that it may not get stuck in throat. 

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