PT Health Life – Constipation after chemotherapy is always a worry for many cancer patients. As one of the most common complications after chemotherapy, constipation further affects the patient’s quality of life.
1. Causes of constipation after chemotherapy
In fact, there are many factors that cause constipation in patients after chemotherapy. In general, the following factors are the main causes:
– Adverse drug reactions during chemotherapy : Chemotherapy drugs and their metabolites cause damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is released as a neurotransmitter causes the gag reflex. Therefore, antiemetic drugs are often considered by doctors for use in patients.
Clinically, commonly used drugs include ondansetron, tropisetron… which significantly reduce gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and vomiting in patients and improve the ability to treat tumors.
However, although antiemetics are effective, they will also reduce gastrointestinal motility, slow intestinal transit time, and reduce intestinal secretions.
In addition, due to its impact on the central nervous system, it will also weaken the patient’s sense of defecation, leading to constipation.
– Diet : Chemotherapy patients often experience loss of appetite after treatment. Eating too little, a diet that is too restrictive, and drinking little water are all important factors that cause constipation. Eating less will not be able to produce enough stool capacity, defecation will decrease and constipation will occur.
– Physical and psychological factors : Chemotherapy patients often have weak physical condition, reduced activity, poor mental and psychological abilities, and changes in bowel habits. These are all factors that make constipation worse.
2. What to do to improve constipation after chemotherapy?
– Non-pharmacological treatment : Mainly includes dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes. Increase your diet high in fiber such as cereals, fruits and vegetables… Drink more water or juice, eat more yogurt, and other foods to increase bowel movements and establish a fixed defecation time. .
Don’t skip exercise even during chemotherapy. Choose appropriate physical exercises, such as walking, you can also perform abdominal massage within half an hour after meals, 10 minutes at a time and massage in a clockwise circular motion.
– Medical treatment : If the above non-pharmacological treatments are not effective, your doctor may consider using medication. Constipation medications can be chosen depending on the severity of the constipation. Current constipation treatment drugs are divided into bulk-forming laxatives, osmotic drugs, stimulant laxatives, and stool softeners.
Normally, medications to treat constipation should be taken orally. Excessive use of suppositories and enemas can lead to enteritis.
It is also important to note that using too many laxatives can lead to dehydration and an imbalance in salt and mineral levels in the body. Long-term use of laxatives can lead to drug dependence and reduced intestinal function. Therefore, the use of medication should be according to the doctor’s instructions.