Diarrhea During Cancer Treatment
Diarrhea is having frequent, lose or watery stools. Some people being treated for cancer can develop diarrhea. There are many possible causes for diarrhea. Treating the cause, may be the only way to stop it. You also need to avoid other problems caused by diarrhea, including dehydration and rectal irritation.
Causes
Possible causes for diarrhea include:
- The cancer itself may cause diarrhea
- It may be the result of surgery done to remove the cancer.
- It can be a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- It may be caused by an infection or, by the antibiotics taken to treat an infection.
Dehydration
When you lose more fluids than you take in, you can become dehydrated. You lose a lot of fluid with diarrhea. Early symptoms of dehydration are:
- Thirst, dry mouth and thick saliva (spit)
- Flushed face, and dry, warm skin
- You make less urine. Your urine may become darker yellow
- Weakness, lack of energy, and muscle cramps
- Headache or dizziness
To treat early dehydration
- Drink fluids as directed by your doctor or nurse. This will usually be 6 to 8 glasses of fluid per day. Water is best, but juice or frozen pops can also help.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and limit drinks with caffeine.
Rectal Irritation
Diarrhea can cause pain and irritation in this area. Open sores in the rectal area can bleed and become infected by germs normally found in this area. If your blood counts are low, this infection can become very serious.
- Wash the area after every bowel movement. Try alcohol-free disposable baby wipes. Always wipe from front to back. Wash your hands when finished.
- Try sitting in a warm bath
- After taking a bath or shower, pat the rectal area dry with a soft towel - do not rub.
- Talk to your doctor or nurse before using any over-the counter products. They may suggest a soothing ointment. You need to avoid using anything that could cause more irritation such as suppositories.
Treating Diarrhea
There are medications that may be taken:
- Never take any over-the-counter medication to treat diarrhea without talking to your doctor or nurse first.
- Take medicine prescribed for diarrhea exactly as directed.
Some changes in your diet may be helpful, but always check with your doctor or nurse first:
- Limit the amount of fiber in your diet. Avoid high-fiber foods such as whole-grain bread and brown rice. Instead, eat white bread and rice.
- Eat foods rich in potassium such as bananas and oranges. This can help replace what has been lost due to diarrhea.
- Try eating 6 to 8 small meals a day
- Drink plenty of fluids. Clear liquids and flat light sodas, such as ginger ale, are best.
- Drink at least 1 cup of liquid after each loose bowel movement.
- Avoid alcohol and limit drinks with caffeine.
- Avoid fried or greasy foods. Limit food that are very sweet or very spicy.
- Limit the amount of milk you drink
When to Call
- If you are having more than 5 liquid stools per day
- If the diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours
- If the medication you have been told to take for diarrhea is not working
- If you see blood in your stool
- If you develop severe pain you your abdomen
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