Nausea is one of the best-known chemotherapy side effects. Not everyone knows that chemo can also cause other kinds of stomach upset, including diarrhea. Coping with chemo diarrhea isn't fun, but you can manage the symptoms if it happens to you.
Figure Out the Cause
A lot of cancer treatment drugs cause diarrhea — but you shouldn't assume that's all there is to it. Diarrhea can also be linked to an infection. Some cancers cause diarrhea as well, so it may be related to changes in your overall condition.
You should call your doctor to talk about diarrhea if it accompanies other symptoms, including:
- Six or more loose stools per day for more than two days
- Blood in your stool
- Fever of 100.5°F or higher
- Inability to control bowel movements
- Diarrhea accompanied by dizziness
- Diarrhea accompanied by severe abdominal cramps
- Weight loss due to diarrhea
Easing Symptoms
You might be able to reduce the severity of chemo diarrhea by changing your diet. Try sticking with foods that are gentle on your stomach. Avoid spicy dishes, acidic foods like citrus, alcohol, and high-fat foods. Stay away from caffeinated beverages as well.
If you need more serious relief, you can try the BRAT diet. That is an acronym for:
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Toast
In addition, drink plenty of clear fluids. Diarrhea causes dehydration, so you need to replace the fluids you're losing. Water, clear broths, and sports drinks are all good for replacing fluids from diarrhea.
You may be able to take medication to reduce the effects of diarrhea. Some over-the-counter medications can settle your stomach and improve how you feel. Talk to your doctor about what medications are safe to take.
Skin Care
Frequent stools may cause irritation around your rectum. You should be careful to clean the area well after every trip to the bathroom. You can use damp toilet paper to make sure to clear all the residue off your skin.
Applying a warm damp cloth or sitting in a warm bath might ease some of the pain. You can also try using a sitz bath, a shallow pan you can place over your toilet. You can fill it with water and sit in it instead of using a bathtub.
You can protect the skin around your anus with ointments. Diaper creams or ointments are soothing and safe to use on irritated skin. Pure petroleum jelly is also an option for skin protection.
