The use of chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant tumors leads to the development of complications from the digestive tract, they are manifested by diarrhea. Diarrhea after chemotherapy is observed in almost 80% of patients. In general, diarrhea after chemotherapy is due mainly to direct toxic effects of cytostatics on the mucous membrane of the small and large intestine or, which is much less frequent, the development of pathological changes in the microflora in the intestine and the stimulating effect on the biochemical systems of the body. At the same time, the balance that occurs in the intestines of digestion processes is disturbed, which causes diarrhea.
Four levels of severity are distinguished, characterized by the following symptoms:
- Liquid stool, defecation thrice a day.
- Increases up to six times the frequency of bowel movements, mucus is noted in the stool.
- In the stool, blood inclusions are noted. Acts of defecation are accompanied by strong spasms in the intestine and increase to nine per day.
- Stool frequency increases( up to 10 or more times), and pronounced dehydration appears.
Causes of diarrhea after chemotherapy
Among the main reasons can be called:
- immediate effect of drugs;
- improper power;
- development of intestinal infection;
- after surgery;
- psychoemotional reaction to a stressful situation.
What to do with diarrhea after chemotherapy should be determined by a doctor, which must be contacted immediately.
Treatment of diarrhea with chemotherapy
The choice of a method for getting rid of diarrhea depends on the cause that stimulates it and the severity of the leak. Therefore, first perform kidney and liver studies to determine their functional indicators. Then, ultrasound of internal organs is performed, feces analysis for the presence of pathogenic flora and parasites. In some cases, a blood test, fluoroscopy and, if necessary, sigmoidoscopy.
Treatment of diarrhea after chemotherapy of the first and second degree of severity consists primarily in restoring the electrolytic-electrolytic balance. To this end, with diarrhea, after chemotherapy, a generous drink is prescribed, taking medications that help quickly restore the lack of fluid and salts in the body. For the removal of pain syndrome, analgesics and drugs that relieve spasms are recommended. Effectively affects diarrhea. Adsorbing into the intestinal mucosa, toxins and pathogens, the drug affects the reduction in the number of diarrhea acts after the course of taking medications and simultaneously affects the microflora, ensuring its normalization. It is widely used for the treatment of diarrhea in chemotherapy, folk medicine - decoctions, herbal tinctures with astringent effect.
In severe cases( diarrhea III and IV degree), treatment after chemotherapy is carried out under stationary conditions. After stabilizing the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, drugs are prescribed to stop diarrhea and absorbents. At a high temperature, which can accompany diarrhea, antibiotic therapy is used. Then biotic drugs are used to normalize the work of the intestine.
Of particular importance for the control of diarrhea in chemotherapy is proper nutrition. It begins with the unloading of the intestine, when on the first day only non-carbonated water is given, and on the second day, take light food in liquid form, cooked for a couple. Over the next 5 days, the menu should be formed in such a way as to exclude foods that irritate the mucosa and contain indigestible fiber. In the diet with diarrhea should be easily assimilated high-protein foods with a high content of potassium.