Prevention and Treatment
Constipation is a common side effect ofchemotherapyor other medications prescribed duringcancer treatment.
Constipation is broadly defined as difficult or infrequent stool passage.
This article will review the symptoms of constipation, why it happens, and how to manage it.
Tom Merton / Getty Images
Symptoms
Many people are familiar with the symptoms of constipation.
These can include:
Those undergoing chemotherapy or other medical treatments may not recognize these symptoms as constipation.
They may experience only a decrease in appetite and a vague feeling of being unwell.
Causes
Several different factors can lead to constipation during chemotherapy.
How to Manage Constipation
you could manage constipation in a variety of ways.
An essential first step is to notify your healthcare provider of constipation.
Fluid Intake
Increasing fluid intake can be an effective treatment for constipation.
Drinks like water and juices are recommended.
Before increasing fiber in your diet, ask your healthcare provider.
Some people should not have increased fiber, such as those who have had abowel obstruction or surgery.
Increasing the amount of fiber starts with the foods you eat.
Once someone is very constipated, adding high-fiber foods may increase discomfort until constipation has been relieved.
Talk to your healthcare provider about how much fiber you should get daily.
Exercise
Exercise is very important when going through treatment.
Taking short, regular walks can help to prevent and relieve constipation.
They can recommend exercises and help guide you in how much you should do.
Medications
Several categories of medications work for constipation.
Some medications combine two or more treatments designed to soften the stool and help it pass through the body.
This refers to the manual removal of stool using gloved fingers.
The impacted feces are then removed by the healthcare provider manually.
Other complications from chronic constipation include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, perianal abscesses, and rectal prolapse.
Managing constipation can be done through dietary changes, increased fluid intake, and medications.
Increasing activity and exercise can also improve constipation.
It can also affect the nerve endings in the rectum, making it difficult to pass stool.
Bharucha AE, Pemberton JH, Locke GR 3rd.American Gastroenterological Association technical review on constipation.Gastroenterology.
2016;7:414. doi:10.3389/fphar.2016.00414
American Cancer Society.Constipation.
National Cancer Institute.Constipation and cancer treatment.
National Cancer Institute.Gastrointestinal complications (PDQ)health professional version.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: EatRight.Easy ways to boost fiber in your daily diet.
