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Ask the Experts Archive > Types of Cancer > Head and Neck Cancers > General Concerns

Inhaler Use While Receiving Radiation Therapy

Affiliation: Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: June 29, 2008

Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts,"

My father is about to begin radiation for tongue cancer. Due to respiratory problems, he is unable to undergo surgery. He is on oxygen and uses Advair and Spiriva. Is it acceptable for him to continue these during radiation? Will they affect healing, tissue damage etc?

Harry Quon, MD, MS (CRM), Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:

There is no reason to believe these medications will affect healing. However, he might find that the inhalers irritate his upper airway in the presence of mucositis ( painful inflammation and ulceration of the lining of the mouth and throat), a common side effect from head and neck radiation.