Chemotherapy utilizes drugs that can destroy cancer cells by targeting rapidly dividing cells within the body. This course of treatment is extremely effective but has discernable side effects, including diarrhea or constipation due to damage done to healthy cells within the patient's body, especially those of the digestive system. Although these matters can be exasperating, with the right approach, patients can cope with the treatment as best as possible.
We'll look further into how diarrhea or constipation develops and which remedies are best to alleviate the issues or pain, as well as when to go to the doctor.
What Causes Diarrhea & Constipation During Chemotherapy?
During chemotherapy, the processes within the body are being neglected which causes problems like,
- Damage to Intestinal Lining - Strong chemotherapy drugs often result in nausea, and it alters the normal processes in the intestines and produce an abnormal amount of wreak havoc on normal carbohydrate digestion.
- Effects on Gut Bacteria - During chemotherapy, there is an increase or decrease in the number of as well as the muscle contractions of the intestine. These two problems can together cause an exaggerated alteration in the normal digestion.
- Nerve Damage - In some patients, certain instances of solid food being the only substance consumed does not stimulate the flow of nerve endings within the stomach. This issue creates a sheath around one’s peripheral nerves, causing malfunctions.
- Medication Side Effects - Over the counter substance abuse has the possibility of constipation or diarrhea propelling and amplifying which make one become responsible for anti-cholesterols, anticoagulants, anti-nausea or sanitary products worming their way onto the stomach.
Prompt management of such symptoms is critical in the avoidance of dehydration, poor nutrition and overall discomfort.
Management of Diarrhea During Chemotherapy
Diarrhea caused by chemotherapy can lead to dehydration, general weakness, and interference of electrolytes. Here are suggestions on coping with it:
1. Changing Your Meal Plan
Hydration is Key – Increase intake of fluids by:
- Sipping water throughout the day
- Drinking oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
- Clear broths along with herbal teas and diluted fruit juices
Low-Fiber Foods – Avoid high-fiber foods as they can cause further aggravation of diarrhea. Instead, consider:
- White rice, pasta, and toast
- Boiled potatoes, applesauce, and bananas
- Skinless chicken and well cooked carrots
Trigger Foods – Don't eat:
- Fatty or spicy foods
- Milk and milk products (if you digest lactose poorly)
- Artificial sweeteners (are recognized to lead to gas and bloating)
2. Controlled Use of Some Medicine
- Anti-Diarrhea Medication – The medication Loperamide (Imodium) may reduce the frequency of bowel movements but should only be taken after consulting your oncologist first.
- Probiotic Supplements – Some research indicates probiotics can assist as gut flora modifiers, but they should only be used under strict medical control.
3. Balance Your Daily Mineral Intake
Sodium and potassium loss is a possibility with excessive diarrhea. To replenish your body:
- Sports drinks or coconut water are useful.
- Mashed potatoes and bananas both are useful, since they contain sufficient amounts of potassium.
4. Note the Changes You Experience
Keep in mind the changes you experience whilst keeping a check on the following:
- How frequent was the diarrhea episodes and its severity?
- Food and beverages taken in
- Medicinal drugs administered
This makes it easier for your physician to manage your care.
Dealing with Constipation Caused by Chemotherapy
In addition to constipation, chemotherapy can lead to bloating, discomfort, or pain, forwhich relief is available through laxatives. Ways to get relief from bloating and pain include:
1. Take It Easy, Increase Fiber Slowly
They say that one way to relieve bloating is to reduce fiber intake, but its best to do so gradually so it minimizes gas. Some good sources of fiber include:
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, flaxseeds)
- Vegetables (spinach, carrots)
- Grains like oatmeal and brown rice
- Fruits like prunes, apples and pear
2. Drink More
It is recommended to drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. Dewm would make this worse and so staying hydrated is important.
Bowel movements can be induced with warm fluids such as herbal teas or water with lemon.
3. Movement and Exercise
Short walks, stretching, yoga or exercises are methods to enhance bowel function. For relief of discomfort, one could also use deep breathing with accompanying massages of the abdomen.
4. Laxatives or stool softeners (use if needed)
If altering some aspects of your lifestyle, along with more healthy eating habits does not appear to relieve constipation, then your doctor may recommend stool softeners such as docusate sodium, which soften stools to facilitate bowel movement. For increased constipation relief, use polyethylene glycol laxatives that stimulate regular bowel movements.
Use caution with stimulant laxatives since overuse may cause dependency.
When Should Medical Attention Be Taken?
In Case Having Diarrhea:
- More than six watery stools above the benchmark in an account of one day.
- Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, dizziness, and dark urine.
- Blood Stream resulting severe abdominal Pain.
In Case Experiencing Constipation:
- There will be no bowel movement for three or more days.
- Severe Pain and Bloated feeling along with vomiting.
- Straining, which can lead to causes of Bleeding Rectum.
Always make sure to contact the specialized patient oncologist of your choice immediately in regard to any of the above symptoms.
Trusted Oncology Specialist Dr. Pooja Babbar
It is essential for the patient suffering from diarrhea and constipation induced by chemotherapy treatment to receive expert care. These problems with diet, dehydration, medications, and lifestyle should be buffered with precision.
A premier and best medical oncologist in Gurgaon, Dr. Pooja Babbar has assisted several chemotherapy cancer patients with the burden of side effects that accompany treatment. Her focus in cancer care is at the precision level which allows for patients to be assured of the best advice throughout the duration of treatment.
If you, your patient, or loved ones have been subjected to chemotherapy, talking to a competent oncologist such as Dr. Pooja Babbar will certainly improve your quality of treatment and health.
So, keep healthy, do not shy away from important oncology support, and information.
