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CRAMPS / DIARRHEA
Description: Radiation therapy damages both cancer cells and normal cells that are dividing rapidly. Since the cells lining your stomach and intestines normally divide rapidly, they are sensitive to the effects of radiation. You may have problems with gas and cramping during treatment. The number of bowel movements you have may increase, and your stools may be very soft or liquid. The degree of diarrhea will vary from person to person.
Duration: Diarrhea caused by radiation therapy is usually temporary. The cells lining the stomach and intestines will renew themselves, and the diarrhea usually stops shortly after the treatments are completed. However, in the future you may find your stools remain less formed, and that certain foods still cause you to have occasional problems with diarrhea.
Self-Care Measures Foods and liquids to AVOID if you are having diarrhea:
- Avoid foods and drinks that can produce gas or cause cramps such as: beer, chewing gum, beans, cabbage, pickles, garlic, highly spiced foods, and too many sweets.
- Avoid foods that contain roughage and bulk. Do not eat bran, whole grain cereals, nuts and seeds, beans and legumes, dried fruits, popcorn, raw fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid fatty, greasy, and fried foods.
- Avoid beverages with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola and hot chocolate.
- Also avoid citrus fruit products, including orange, grapefruit, and tomato juices.
- Avoid very hot and very cold fluids. These can increase your bowel activity.
- Avoid drinking beverages while eating food. Drink liquids 30 minutes to 1 hour after the meal and/or between meals.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. These will irritate your bowel and increase bowel activity.
Foods and Liquids to EAT when having diarrhea:
- The diarrhea may be less severe if you drink boiled milk and eat cottage cheese, applesauce, rice, and bananas instead of your regular meals for several days, until the diarrhea diminishes. Then gradually add food low in roughage and bulk such as mashed potatoes and dry toast.
- Eat foods high in potassium if your physician or nurse tells you that your potassium level is low. Foods that are high in potassium include: bananas, apricot and peach nectar, baked potatoes without the skin, salt water fish, halibut, milk without fat (e.g. Mocha Mix, Dairy Rich), and chicken without the skin.
- Drink plenty of fluids that are at room temperature. Increasing fluids does not cause more diarrhea. You need the extra fluid to replace the fluid you are losing and to help prevent dehydration.
- Take a liquid diet if the diarrhea becomes severe. Mild liquids such as fruit aids (Kool Aid, Gatorade, liquid Jello) are usually well tolerated. Also try popsicles or sherbets.
- Let carbonated beverages (such as pop) lose their fizz before drinking them.
- Add nutmeg to foods. This spice will decrease the activity of the intestines.
Medicines:
- Your physician may prescribe a drug to control the diarrhea. Use this as directed. Do not use over the counter drugs such Kaopectate of Pepto bismol unless you have discussed this with your Radiation Oncologist.
- To soothe a sore anal area, clean the area gently but thoroughly after each bowel movement, then pat dry before applying a soothing lotion such as a layer of Desitin, A&D, or Balmex ointment. However, discuss this problem with your physician or nurse before applying any medicines.
Consult your Radiation Oncologist or Nurse if:
- Your diarrhea is such that you have more than 5 liquid stools in a day.
- Your prescription drug does not seem to be working and you still have more than 5 liquid stools a day.
- You have signs of dehydration such as dryness of skin and mouth, decrease in the amount of urine you put out, and marked fatigue.
- You have problems with hemorrhoids.
- You see blood in your stools or the stools become very dark.
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