Coping With Diarrhea Related to Chemotherapy
When
chemotherapy
affects the cells lining the intestine, it can cause
diarrhea
(watery or loose stools). If you have diarrhea that continues for more than 24 hours, or if you have pain and cramping along with the diarrhea, call your doctor. In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe a medicine to control the diarrhea. If diarrhea persists, you may need intravenous (IV) fluids to replace the water and nutrients you have lost. Often these fluids are given as an outpatient and do not require hospitalization. Do not take any over-the-counter medicines for diarrhea without asking your doctor.
Tips to Help Control Diarrhea
- Drink 8-12 cups of clear fluids a day. This will help replace fluids you have lost through diarrhea. Mild, clear liquids, such clear broth, sports drinks such as Gatorade, or ginger ale, are best. If these drinks make you feel nauseous, try diluting them with water. Drink slowly and make sure drinks are at room temperature. Let carbonated drinks lose their fizz before you drink them.
- Ask your doctor if you should try a clear liquid diet to give your bowels time to rest. A clear liquid diet does not provide all the nutrients you need, so only stay on this diet for the time highlighted by your doctor.
- Eat five or six small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals.
- Include certain foods in your diet, such as:
- Potassium-rich foods—Diarrhea can cause you to lose this important mineral. Bananas, oranges, potatoes, peach, and apricot nectars are good sources of potassium.
- Avoid certain foods or drinks, such as:
- Foods that cause gas (eg, dried beans, cabbage, broccoli, soy products)
- High-fiber foods, which can lead to diarrhea and cramping (eg, whole grain breads and cereals, raw vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, popcorn, fresh and dried fruit)
- Milk and milk products, including ice cream
- Fried, greasy, or spicy foods
- Hot or very cold liquids
- Coffee
- Tea with caffeine
- Alcohol
- Sweets
- After having a bowel movement, use care when wiping your anal area.
- Tell your doctor if your diarrhea lasts for more than 24 hours or if you have pain and cramping along with diarrhea.
RESOURCES
American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org/
National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES
BC Cancer Agency http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/default.htm/
Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca/
References
Chemotherapy and you: support for people with cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/chemotherapy-and-you.pdf. Accessed May 31, 2012.
Management chemotherapy side effect. Stanford Medicine, Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://cancer.stanford.edu/information/cancerTreatment/methods/managing%5Feffects/diarrhea.html. Accessed May 31, 2012.
Managing chemotherapy side effects. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/chemo-side-effects/diarrhea. Accessed May 31, 2012.