Diarrhea - Side effect to cancer treatment

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Some types of cancer treatment can cause diarrhea, flatulence and stomach rumble.

Diarrhea can also be caused by a stomach infection, or it can be a side effect to other medication, e.g. antibiotics or too large a dosage of laxatives.

When you suffer from diarrhea, food will go through your digestive system without being properly digested and absorbed. The body therefore absorbs a reduced amount of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fluid.

Diarrhea can be treated with anti-diarrheal medicine, which can be bought without a prescription. You should, however, always consult with a doctor or a nurse before taking taking any anti-diarrheal medicine.

What you can do

Apple juice, cordials, diluted fruit-and vegetable juices, mineral water with added salt, water and weak tea.

The bowel needs food to be able to maintain the ability to digest and absorb food.

Eating many small meals during the day makes it easier to eat sufficiently

Only eat cooked or oven baked fruit and vegetables, for example as mash or compote.

Eat white bread or light whole meal bread without bran, seeds and whole kernels

Too hot or too cold food can worsen the diarrhea.

Foods with high potassium content: cooked fish, bananas, mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables like spinach and broccoli.

Such as butter, vegetable oil, cream, sour cream and mayonnaise.

Breaking down fat can be diffiicult for the bowel.

Use soft toiletpaper, and wash carefully with water and mild soap. Optionally use a water proof barrier cream.

Fried, fatty, very spicy and smoked food
Vegetables, which give you wind, e.g. cabbage, leek, onions, peas and beans
Alcohol and coffee
Large amounts of milk and dairy products, as they can be difficult to digest
Fermented dairy products are tolerated better by some people

Contact

In case of any questions. Please contact the Oncology Department. Telephone number are on your contact card., or go to:

Diarrhea - Side effect to cancer treatment

What you can do

Drink 1-1,5 litres of fluid daily

It is important to eat

Eating many small meals during the day makes it easier to eat sufficiently

No raw fruit or vegetables

Eat white bread or light whole meal bread without bran, seeds and whole kernels

Eat lukewarm food

Eat food with a high potassium content

Reduce intake of fat

If skin around the rectum gets irritated

Avoid the following foods

Contact