Radiation Therapy and Asthma: Potential Lung Inflammation

Question
I have had 33 radiation treaments for breast cancer on the left breast. I completed my treatments yesturday. I have trouble with my asthma ONLY when I lie down at night, daytime is fine, no wheezing or asthma symptoms. could the radiation treatments caused any lung damage and if so why is this only bothering me at night?

Answer
Radiation therapy can cause inflammation in lung tissue exposed to it (similar to a sun burn in skin). If you already have asthma it will most probably get somewhat worse temporarily during and for some time after therapy because of this. It is a common situation with asthma symptoms that they get worse when you lie down. You can probably notice it now since it has become somewhat worse due to the radiation. I suggest that you sleep half sitting up by putting a number of pillows behind you. You can also use some of your asthma medication just before going to bed. Good luck!