Radiation diarrhea is a complication that occurs during the treatment of cancer patients with radiation therapy. Acute diarrhea occurs due to damage to the radial flux of normal cells of the mucous membrane of the small and large intestine. Such a phenomenon can and must be fought. The following recommendations can significantly ease the patient's condition:
When diarrhea occurs with radiation therapy, coping with it is not easy. It is necessary to find a way to restore the intestinal microflora. For this, it is necessary to observe the following recommendations:
- It is useful to increase the amount of liquid consumed. After each emptying it is necessary to drink special solutions, the amount of a single portion of drink is calculated by the formula 10 ml per kilogram of live weight. Drinks with a high sugar content are not suitable for replenishing the water-salt balance. Do not sip the patient with carbonated water.
- It is useful to eat often( five to six times a day) in small portions( not more than 200 grams per meal).
- If the patient is suffering from radiation diarrhea, easily digestible food with low fat, fruit lactose and dietary fiber should predominate in the diet.
- Be sure to carefully care for the anal opening. To use toilet paper it is impossible, it is better to replace it with baby napkins or even to refuse paper and use a bidet. In case of signs of inflammation, it is important to consult a doctor immediately, otherwise radiation therapy will lead to more serious complications.
- To prevent radiation diarrhea it is important to observe a strict diet for two weeks, new products are introduced gradually, in small portions. This approach is the best prevention.
- It is important to make sure that the chosen diet is able to ensure the intake of enough potassium in the body.
When treating diarrhea after radiation therapy, you must follow a strict diet. All diary products, spicy food, drinks with caffeine, products capable of provoking strong flatulence, foods containing coarse fiber, fried and fatty foods, fast food are completely excluded from the diet.
If radiation diarrhea occurs, tell the doctor immediately. He will correct the course and necessarily advise which medications can be used to eliminate the described complication.