When a mesothelioma patient is undergoing treatment, it is common for them to experience some discomforting side effects. For example, many patients experience having a sore mouth or throat.

What Causes the Soreness?

Having a sore mouth or throat is caused by the drugs that are commonly used during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Examples of mesothelioma treatment that may cause these side effects:
  • Cisplatin – is a commonly used chemotherapy drug. It is administered to patients via an IV.
  • External Beam Radiation – is a method of radiation treatment. It uses X-Rays or CT scans to administer the radiation.

Not only can a patient experience soreness in these areas, but they can develop sores in their mouth and throat as well.

These sores can form on the
  • Lining of the mouth
  • Lips
  • Gums
  • Tongue
  • Roof or bottom of the mouth
  • Esophagus

Having a sore throat, mouth, or even developing sores in these areas, can be extremely discomforting. Sometimes these side effects make it difficult for a patient to eat, swallow, or breathe.

3 Sore Mouth or Sore Throat Remedies

It is possible for mesothelioma treatment options to cause a patient to experience a sore mouth, throat, or to develop mouth or throat sores. However, here are a few tips to help alleviate these unpleasant side effects.

  • 1
    Baking Soda Gargle
Image of spoon in a dish of baking soda.

Gargling this mixture not only helps with a sore throat and mouth, but it can also prevent infections. Make sure that you do not swallow this rinse.

What you’ll need

  • 1 cup of warm water
  • ¼ teaspoon of baking soda
  • ⅛ teaspoon of salt

Steps

  • Add salt to your water
  • Add baking soda to your water
  • Stir well before using

It is recommended that this rinse is used every 3 hours, or as needed.

  • 2
    Essential Oil Blend
Image of essential oil bottles.
Here is an easy form of aromatherapy that doesn’t require you to purchase a diffuser.

What you’ll need

  • 3 drops of clove essential oil
  • 3 drops of juniper berry essential oil
  • Large bowl of boiling water
  • A towel

Steps

  • Add both clove and juniper berry essential oils in a large bowl of boiled water.
  • Drape a towel over your head. Make sure you cover your entire head and the bowl.
  • For 5 minutes relax and breathe in the steam and fragrance.

There hasn’t been much research completed on using essential oils to fight cancer. However, many researchers believe that there are many great health benefits associated with them.

  • 3
    Chemo Popsicles or Ice Cubes

Image of stacked popsicles.

This recipe for either popsicles or ice cubes helps provide you with essential nutrients. It helps by replenishing your body with phytochemicals, protein, and liquids.

What you’ll need

  • 8 ounces of orange juice
  • ¼ package of frozen organic mangoes or 1 cup of frozen organic raspberries
  • ¼ square tofu
  • 1 small banana
  • ½ bottle of Odwalla Berries GoMega Superfood Smoothie
  • ½ fresh nectarine (to taste)

Steps

  • Place all ingredients in a blender.
  • Blend until liquified.
  • If the mixture is too thick, add more of the Odwalla Berries GoMega Superfood Smoothie to it.
  • Pour mixture into popsicle molds or ice cube trays and freeze them.

Not only can this recipe help soothe a sore throat or mouth, but it can also help settle an upset stomach.

Request the Magic Mouthwash

Aside from the previously mentioned remedies, if a patient is experiencing any of these side effects, they can always request a medicated mouthwash from their doctor. Many patients call this prescription Magic Mouthwash.

This mouthwash helps manage pain that a patient may be experiencing because it contains an:
  • Anticholinergic
  • Anesthetic
  • Antacid or mucosal coating agent
  • Antibiotic or antifungal medication

There are mouthwashes that are also available over the counter, however, they typically have alcohol in them. Alcohol could increase the discomfort that a patient may already be experiencing. It is recommended that patients speak with their doctor about the best pain management techniques that are applicable to them.

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Show Sources & Author

  1. 8 Essential Oils for Sore Throat Pain. Dr. Axe. Retrieved from: https://draxe.com/essential-oils-for-sore-throat. Accessed: 08/22/2017.
  2. What about radiation side effects?. American Cancer Society. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/radiation/what-radiation-therapy-is-how-it-helps/side-effects.html. Accessed: 08/22/2017.
  3. Magic Mouthwash. American Academy Of Nursing. Retrieved from: http://www.aannet.org/initiatives/choosing-wisely/choosing-wisely---magic-mouthwash. Accessed: 08/22/2017.
  4. 12 Natural Remedies for Sore Throat. HealthLine. Retrieved from: http://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/sore-throat-natural-remedies#licorice-root9. Accessed: 08/22/2017.
  5. Chemo Popsicles. SparkRecipes. Retrieved from: https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=682346. Accessed: 08/22/2017.
  6. Mouth sores caused by cancer treatment: How to cope. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/mouth-sores/art-20045486. Accessed: 08/22/2017.
  7. Mouth Sores due to Chemotherapy. Chemocare. Retrieved from: http://www.chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/mouth-sores-due-to-chemotherapy.aspx. Accessed: 08/22/2017.
  8. Sore Mouth and Throat Care During Cancer Treatment. UPMC. Retrieved from: http://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/education/cancer/Pages/sore-mouth-during-cancer-treatment.aspx. Accessed: 08/22/2017.

About the Writer, Nicole Godfrey

Nicole Godfrey is the Senior Content Writer for Mesothelioma Guide. She writes and edits pages to make sure that mesothelioma patients and their families receive the most current and significant information about mesothelioma.