<human>: hi... this is kouser iam 40 years old. in 2007 i got  surgery  because i sufferd from tongue cancer... the doctors gave me radiation therapy and chemotherapy. due to dis i have problem my tongue is burning while iam  eating even if i drink water...what should i do. is there any other treatment to reduce the pain of burning.. please anybody help me out with this...sorry for mis order sentence actully i dont know much english...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 thank
<bot>: Good day. The radiation therapy given to face and neck area for tongue cancer has the following side effects:1. It burns out the taste buds resulting in loss of taste sensation. Most of the patients can only appreciate salty taste.2. It damages saliva producing glands resulting in xerostomia (Chat Doctor.  It damages the mucosa (inner lining) of tongue, mouth and throat which causes painful and difficult swallowing. These side effects might improve with time, but it is never a complete recovery. Lifestyle changes will help reduce the intensity of symptoms. I will suggest the following:1. Maintain good oral hygiene. Avoid menthol or chlorhexidine containing toothpaste and mouth wash respectively as they cause irritation of mucosa. Use only Benzedrine containing mouth wash.2. Take frequent small sips of water instead of full glass at a time in order to keep mouth moist.3. Chew sugar-free chewing gums to stimulate the residual salivary glands to produce saliva.4. Avoid spicy, sour foods. Generally salty foods are better tolerated in this condition.5. Use of suspension sucralfate may help. Keep in mouth for 3-5 minutes and then swallow.6. If you have acid reflux or water brash, take treatment for it. I hope these measures help. If you have any further questions I will be happy to answer. Thank you for choosing Chat Doctor.