Constipation and Chemotherapy

Constipation and chemotherapy

Simply as every individual is totally different, so is their response to most cancers and most cancers remedy. You might have extreme, gentle, or no unwanted side effects. Speak together with your most cancers care staff in regards to the unwanted side effects you might need. It helps to do that earlier than remedy begins. There could also be issues you are able to do to handle or stop some unwanted side effects. As an illustration, you are able to do issues to assist stop constipation throughout most cancers remedy.

Some chemo may cause constipation or onerous, dry stools that you’ve got much less usually. Stool may additionally be tough to go. You can even grow to be constipated once you’re much less lively, take sure medicines, similar to ache medication or iron, or do not get sufficient fluid or fiber in your food regimen.

Name your healthcare supplier in the event you aren’t having bowel actions within the sample that is regular for you. Your healthcare supplier could counsel taking a laxative or stool softener. However do not take these measures with out first checking together with your healthcare supplier.

What is going to assist constipation?

The Nationwide Most cancers Institute suggests the following pointers to assist stop constipation:

• Drink loads of fluids to assist hold stool smooth. If you do not have mouth sores, attempt heat and sizzling fluids, together with water, to assist relieve constipation. Ask your healthcare supplier how a lot liquid you must drink daily. 

• Speak together with your healthcare supplier about your food regimen. Chances are you’ll be suggested to extend your fiber consumption. However this could solely be carried out beneath the route of your healthcare supplier. There are some sorts of most cancers and sure unwanted side effects of remedy for which a high-fiber food regimen shouldn’t be suggested. Excessive-fiber meals embrace:

  • Bran

  • Complete-grain breads and cereals

  • Uncooked or cooked greens

  • Recent and dried fruit with skins

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Dates, raisins, prunes, and prune juice

• Train daily. Chances are you’ll need to attempt a extra structured train program, or just go for a stroll. Speak together with your healthcare supplier in regards to the quantity and sort of train that is best for you.

Ask your healthcare suppliers what signs it’s worthwhile to inform them about straight away. Examples of some critical issues embrace not having a bowel motion in 3 days, not with the ability to eat, or having ache, cramps, or vomiting that does not cease.

Speak together with your healthcare suppliers in regards to the medicines you should utilize to forestall constipation. In case you have ongoing constipation issues, your healthcare suppliers can refer you to a nutritionist. The nutritionist can educate you extra about consuming sure meals and doing different issues that may assist resolve the issue.