Patients who receive chemotherapy to treat cancer often undergo additional side effects from the treatment. While chemotherapy drugs are powerful medications that kill the fatal cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying, they also kill healthy cells. Side effects vary from person to person, and most residual effects subside over time. Treatments for the side effects can help to relieve the discomfort.
Nausea
Anti-vomiting and anti-nausea medications can help relieve the symptoms that most chemotherapy patients face. Anti-nausea drugs such as Ativan and Zofran often are given to patients before they begin chemotherapy treatments. Different chemotherapy drugs produce various side effects, which determines which drugs will work best in combating the vomiting. Most anti-nausea medications have side effects themselves, which may include fatigue, constipation and headache.
Mouth Sores
Cells in the mouth and digestive tract are the most sensitive to chemotherapy drugs. Mouth sores can range from dry mouth to ulcers, which usually appear within three to 10 days after starting the treatment. Prevention can be the best tool to fight the side effects. Prior to and during treatment, patients should brush their teeth three to five times a day using a soft-bristled brush. Mouthwashes that contain analgesics can be used to treat mouth sores once they form. Saline and baking soda mouthwashes are other alternatives.
Digestive
Diarrhea and constipation are common side effects of chemotherapy that are typically treated once the symptoms appear. Adequate fluid intake will help with either condition, as the body needs to maintain proper hydration levels. Serious attacks of diarrhea may be treated with intravenous fluids. Imodium can be used to treat diarrhea, although it can cause drowsiness in some patients. Narcotics are often employed to ease constipation, although they can worsen the condition in older patients. Mild laxatives and adding foods such as prunes and fiber to the diet also can help relieve constipation.
Skin Rashes
Several different kinds of skin rashes can develop after taking chemotherapy drugs. Some patients exhibit an allergic reaction to the drugs, while others develop rashes at the injection site. Taking anti-allergic medications prior to beginning treatment can minimize side effects. Anti-bacterial creams and lotions can reduce the discomfort when rashes appear.
Blood Counts
Because of the intensity of the chemotherapy drugs, blood cells often become adversely affected. A low white blood cell count, low counts of platelets and anemia are side effects that doctors check for regularly during the treatment. To maintain proper platelet counts, patients should avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. A transfusion may be necessary if platelet counts get too low. Anemia, or low red blood count, is treated with medication in the early stages of the treatment. Medications are usually delivered by injection when bone marrow cells, measured by the white blood cell count, fall below healthy levels.
