Constipation - Side effect to cancer treatment

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Some types of cancer treatment, pain and anti-nausea medication can cause constipation.

Constipation can also be caused by too little fluid intake, lack of food fibres and lack of excersise.

Constipation can be treated with laxatives, which can be bought without a prescription. You should, however, always consult with a doctor or a nurse first.

What you can do

Put 1-1,5 litres of fluid in the fridge every morning, and set yourself the goal, that it should be drunk by the time you go to bed.

All fluid counts - e.g. water, juice, cordials, coffee and tea.

Even small amounts of food will stimulate bowel movement.

Chewing food properly will help digestion

Eat figs, raisins, prunes, including prune juice, and apricots

Eat and drink fermented dairy products

Foods with a high content of fibre will make you feel full very quickly, thereby preventing you from eating sufficiently, and the need for protein and calories should be prioritized. The remedy for constipation will therefore often be a combination of laxatives and nutritional advice.

Physical activity stimulates and activates bowel movements.

Do not postpone going to the toilet, as it could make the defecation reflex disappear for the rest of the day.

Give yourself plenty of time, peace and quiet when you go to the toilet

Use a hot water bottle or heating pad on your lower abdomen

With the flat palm of your hand massage - in a circular movement - from your right groin up towards your stomach, across your stomach and down towards your left groin.

Use a local anesthetic cream on and around anal fissures in case of fissures

Use hemorrhoid cream or suppositories in case of hemorrhoids

Contact

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

Constipation - Side effect to cancer treatment

What you can do

Drink 1-1,5 litres of fluid daily

Eat many small meals during the day

Chewing food properly will help digestion

Eat figs, raisins, prunes, including prune juice, and apricots

Eat and drink fermented dairy products

In case of reduced appetite, avoid foods with high content of fibre and fibre supplements

Be as physically active as possible

Go to the toilet when you feel the need

Give yourself plenty of time, peace and quiet when you go to the toilet

Use a hot water bottle or heating pad on your lower abdomen

External stimulation of the bowels

Use a local anesthetic cream on and around anal fissures in case of fissures

Use hemorrhoid cream or suppositories in case of hemorrhoids

Contact