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Managing the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

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Diarrhea

Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) is another potential side effect of radiation therapy. You may experience this side effect when receiving radiation therapy to the pelvic or abdominal region. Radiation therapy 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 helpful tips to manage diarrhea during radiation therapy:
Eat five or six small meals each day, rather than three large meals.
Drink plenty of fluids
Avoid dairy products, raw fruits and vegetables, foods high in fiber, and greasy, or fried foods.
Do not drink beer, wine, cola, coffee, and black tea.
  • Eat five or six small meals each day, rather than three large meals.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • Avoid dairy products, raw fruits and vegetables, foods high in fiber, and greasy, or fried foods.
  • Do not drink beer, wine, cola, coffee, and black tea.
  • Avoid very hot or very cold liquids.
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