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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Lightheadedness And Anemia While Treating Lung Tumor

I recently finished chemotherapy for an inoperable lung tumor. I am at #22 visits out of 30 on my radiation therapy. I was told I am anemic. I was told to drink a lot of Gatorade and I am. But I still feel dizzy upon standing and feel like I will pass out. Would this be causede by the anemia? I told my Radiologist about it and he said to drink plenty of fluid...but it is not helping. What can I do to combat the lightheadedness and the anemia? am drinking
Tue, 6 Dec 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi. Sorry to hear about your problems.
Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. And radiation therapy when given usually suppresses the production of new blood cells from the bone marrow. This is the cause of anemia. Also when production of new blood cells (especially red ones) ceases/slows down, total volume of blood also goes down due to the fact that normally around 45% volume of blood is formed by cells. This reduced blood cell count and reduced blood volume contributes to decreased supply of oxygen as well as other nutrients to the vital organ including brain Leading to the complaints of light headedness, weakness, easy fatiguability etc. So this is the process going on behind all this. Once this radiotherapy course is completed, bone marrow functions usually return to normal and cell counts are restored resulting in resolution of above mentioned symptoms. So my advice here is to stay assured in this regard and meanwhile you can take plenty of fluids (salt containing) to relieve the symptoms.
Wishing you the best of health.
Regards.
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Suggest Treatment For Lightheadedness And Anemia While Treating Lung Tumor

Hi. Sorry to hear about your problems. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. And radiation therapy when given usually suppresses the production of new blood cells from the bone marrow. This is the cause of anemia. Also when production of new blood cells (especially red ones) ceases/slows down, total volume of blood also goes down due to the fact that normally around 45% volume of blood is formed by cells. This reduced blood cell count and reduced blood volume contributes to decreased supply of oxygen as well as other nutrients to the vital organ including brain Leading to the complaints of light headedness, weakness, easy fatiguability etc. So this is the process going on behind all this. Once this radiotherapy course is completed, bone marrow functions usually return to normal and cell counts are restored resulting in resolution of above mentioned symptoms. So my advice here is to stay assured in this regard and meanwhile you can take plenty of fluids (salt containing) to relieve the symptoms. Wishing you the best of health. Regards.