Diarrhea
Diarrhea due to colon cancer can alternate with constipation. It can be the earliest symptom that can take the patient to the hospital. Diarrhea can be more than a trouble for people with cancer — it can often be a sign of something worse.
You must inform your physician as soon as possible if you have any of the following signs or symptoms:
- 6 or more loose stools per day for more than 2 days
- Rectal bleed
- Weight loss due to diarrhea
- Fever of 100.5 F (38 C)
- No control over bowel movements
- Diarrhea with cramps
- Diarrhea accompanied by dizziness or unconsciousness
Diarrhea is an unpleasant but common side effect in people receiving treatment for cancer. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy causes extreme episodes of diarrhea.
People with severe diarrhea need to be admitted to the hospital for fluid administration and electrolyte balance. Proper nutrition should be given to the patient so that weight loss can be prevented. Talk to your doctor immediately if you are suffering from prolonged diarrhea. Common medications for cancer-related diarrhea include:
- These medications can also reduce your diarrhea by reducing bowel movement.
- Anti-secretory agents.These drugs mitigate the secretion of excessive fluid by the body. Common example is Sandostatin