What Are The Side Effects Of Immunotherapy?

Shortness Of Breath

Shortness of breath can occur in some patients who undergo immunotherapy. Shortness of breath or dyspnea can best be described as a sensation where the affected individual feels like they cannot inhale enough air. Immunotherapy not only increases the immune system reactions to cancerous cells, but it also increases its reaction to various other healthy tissues throughout the patient's body. When the immune system is stimulated, and its brakes are removed, it can activate against healthy tissues in many different organs, including the lungs. This side effect occurs the most in patients receiving immunotherapy to treat lung cancer. Such immune activation that affects the lung tissues manifests most often as pneumonitis or inflammation in the lungs. Inflammation causes an influx of numerous immune system components and substances to the site that can obstruct or narrow the airways and clog the alveoli or little air sacs in the lungs. This narrowing or obstruction results in episodes of coughing, wheezing, and frequent shortness of breath.

Get more details on the major side effects linked to immunotherapy now.