Certain types of chemotherapy can cause the side effect of diarrhea (i.e., watery bowel movements), because some types of chemotherapy affect rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells and cells lining the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. When the cells lining the GI tract are affected, a decrease in the amount of fluid that is absorbed into the body and an increase of fluids and salts (e.g., sodium) in the bowel movements (i.e., diarrhea) occurs.[1]
The degree of diarrhea caused by chemotherapy may be worse if the patient:[1]
• Is taking other medications (such as some antibiotics) that can cause diarrhea
• Already has gastrointestinal diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or impaired function of the pancreas
• Previously has experienced intestinal surgery
• Previously has undergone radiation therapy to the intestines
Symptoms of mild to moderate diarrhea and resultant mildly low levels of sodium in the body may include:[1]
• Watery bowel movements
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Feeling of being disoriented
• Fatigue (tiredness)
Severe diarrhea can be serious, due to the potential for very low levels of salts (e.g., sodium and potassium) in the body and possible resultant complications of:[1]
• Abnormal function of the heart due to very low potassium levels in the body
• Abnormalities (e.g., seizures and coma) in function of the central nervous system, due to very low levels of sodium in the body
Diarrhea from chemotherapy is manageable, and complications can be prevented. If you are having diarrhea from chemotherapy, notify your oncologist and oncology nurse.
For information on how to manage diarrhea from chemotherapy, see our Q&A called, "Is there anything I can do to manage the diarrhea from chemotherapy?"
REFERENCE
1. Managing diarrhea. Accessed at www.chemotherapy.com. |
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