| "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path - and leave a trail." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ |
| SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY Diarrhoea |
| ORPHANS OF THE CANCER STORM |
As well as killing rapidly dividing cancer cells, chemotherapy also damages normal cells which are quickly reproduced. These include cells lining the digestive tract. Diarrhoea is the result of such damage, and ranges from a mild bout, characterised by frequent, soft stools, to a severe case - copious amounts of liquid stool. Intestinal infections and anti-emetic drugs can also cause diarrhoea, but diarrhoea will cease once chemotherapy has ended and the body’s immune system is adequately recovered. Diarrhoea depletes the amount of body fluid, which can lead to dehydration and other complications. Therefore, it is essential that your child drink plenty of liquids to replace those which have been lost. Drinking fluids will not worsen the diarrhea itself. Offer mild fluids, such as water, peach or apricot juice or peppermint cordial, which have been allowed to stand at room temperature. Avoid hot and cold drinks as these can increase intestinal contractions. Carbonated (fizzy) drinks pass rapidly through the digestive system, irritating the bowel. This can increase the frequency of bowel movements, consequently worsening the diarrhoea and heightening the risk of dehydration. Potassium levels are severely reduced by diarrhoea. This naturally occurring mineral helps the body regulate water supply and healthy cardiac function. Low potassium can cause an irregular heartbeat and cramping. Provide foods which are high in potassium. These include bananas, mangos, baked or mashed potatoes, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, halibut and milk (if tolerated). However, any food incorporating edible seeds or skins, and those that have shells or an acidic taste, should be avoided as they irritate the bowel. Examples are nuts, grapes, berries, oranges, tomatoes, peas, sweet corn, baked beans, lentils and pepper. Greasy, fatty, spicy, and sweet foods should be avoided. Do not serve foods with added starch, but opt for wholemeal varieties of bread, pasta and rice. Choose bland, low fibre foods such as applesauce, cottage cheese, fish, and skinless turkey or chicken. Keep a record of your child’s bowel movements: frequency and volume. This will help the doctor if you need to seek medical attention. Cleanliness is particularly important for immune suppressed children. Keep the anal area clean and dry, and wash with warm water and mild soap, and dry gently after all bowel movements. Check with your child’s doctor before commencing any non-prescrip tion treatments if the anus is sore. Desitin or A&D ointment may be suggested after each bowel movement in such instances. Before commencing treatment for diarrhoea, your child’s doctor may wish to carry out a stool test to identify possible sources of infection, so it is Important that you first seek his approval of using over-the-counter remedies. Immodium, Kaopectate and Lomotil are frequently recommended treatments for dia rrhoea. If you notice blood in the stool. If your child has significant pain with bowel move ments. If diarrhoea is coupled with low blood counts. If you are considering over-the-counter medication as potential treatments. If your child is exhibiting any symotims of dehydration. Click here for a list of symptoms. Go back to CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS index. Go back to GENERAL TREATMENT index. Go back to ORbIT TREATMENT index. Go back to SONGS TREATMENT index. |
| Disclaimer This information page has been prepared by an individual who does not have medical training. However its contents have been reviewed by appropriately qualified medical professionals for accuracy and quality. This page is intended for information purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnosis or treatment. If this information raises any concerns about your child’s condition or care protocol, discuss them with his or her paediatrician, oncologist, or other appropriate medical professional who has knowledge of the case. |
| What causes diarrhoea? How do I treat diarrhoea during chemotherapy? When should I call the doctor? What are the symptoms of dehydration? |