CMedEd > Cancer Explained > Managing the Side Effects of Chemotherapy > Diarrhea

Managing the Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Next Page: Constipation
Previous Page: Mouth and Throat Sores
Print

Diarrhea

Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) is another common side effect of some forms of chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the rapidly dividing cells in the digestive tract and lead to watery bowel movements. Talk to your doctor if you experience excessive or uncontrollable diarrhea. This side effect can be life-threatening if not properly managed. It can lead to more serious conditions like dehydration, malnutrition, pain, and inflammation. Your doctor can prescribe medications to prevent diarrhea and to help absorb all of the nutrients from your food.

Here are some tips to manage diarrhea during chemotherapy:
Eat five or six small meals each day
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
Avoid dairy products, uncooked fruits and vegetables, foods high in fiber, and heavily seasoned, fatty, or fried foods
Eat foods that are easy to digest
Do not drink beer, wine, cola, coffee, and black tea
Avoid very hot or very cold liquids
  • Eat five or six small meals each day, rather than three large meals.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • Avoid dairy products, uncooked fruits and vegetables, foods high in fiber, and heavily seasoned, fatty, or fried foods.
  • Eat foods that are easy to digest, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
  • Do not drink beer, wine, cola, coffee, and black tea.
  • Avoid very hot or very cold liquids.
Next Page: Constipation
Previous Page: Mouth and Throat Sores

Disclaimer - The contents of CMedEd.Com are for informational purposes only and are not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician about any medical concerns or conditions. CMedEd.Com does not endorse any specific tests, procedures, physicians, or other information mentioned on the website.