The symptoms of lung cancer and the medications used to treat the disease can slow your bowel movements and make stools hard and difficult to pass. Fatigue and shortness of breath can restrict your activities and increase your anxiety level, worsening constipation. Cancer therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation might dull your appetite and make it difficult to swallow the fluids and high-fiber foods that promote healthy digestion. Dietary changes, along with laxatives or stool softeners prescribed by your physician, might help regulate your bowel activity.
Causes
Reduced activity, pharmaceutical therapy, a low-fiber diet and low fluid intake can cause constipation in cancer patients, especially in the later stages of the disease, according to Drs. Douglas Ross and Carla Alexander. In an article published in the Sept. 15, 2001, issue of "American Family Physician," Ross and Alexander note that narcotic pain medications, antidepressants and other medications commonly prescribed for cancer patients might slow the natural muscle contractions of your bowels. Inadequate intake of water or other fluids lowers the fluid content of stools, making them difficult to pass. Dehydration also can decrease the secretions that provide natural lubrication for your digestive tract.
Prevention
In lung cancer treatment, maintaining your weight with adequate calories and protein is a nutritional priority, the American Cancer Society notes. Your physician might encourage you to eat any food that appeals to you in an effort to keep up your caloric intake. If you have nausea or an altered sense of taste, you might prefer soft, low-fiber foods; however, if you're able to tolerate solids, eating whole grain cereals, fruit and vegetables, beans, nuts and popcorn and other foods that are rich in fiber can encourage healthy bowel movements, the Lung Cancer Alliance notes. Prunes, figs and dates have a laxative effect and are rich in iron and other nutrients as well as fiber. If you're having trouble swallowing due to surgery or radiation treatment, you might be able to drink prune juice, apple juice or other juices that can stimulate bowel activity. Soft foods such as peanut butter, applesauce, refried beans, mashed sweet potatoes and pureed broccoli are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. To increase the fiber, protein and caloric content of soft foods, try blending wheat germ or oat bran into yogurt or protein shakes.
Fluids and Activity
If possible, drink at least eight glasses of water per day, including one glass of warm water before the time when you typically have a bowel movement, the Lung Cancer Alliance advises. Eating foods that are high in roughage without increasing your fluid intake can harden your stools and make constipation worse. If plain water doesn't appeal to you, try flavoring your water with fresh lemon or lime slices, or mix water with fruit juice. Although shortness of breath can limit your activities, try to increase your exercise level, even if it's only walking around the house. Regular activity will not only promote bowel movements but also might encourage deep breathing, mobilize lung secretions and help relieve anxiety.
Treatments
If modifications in diet, fluid intake and activity level don't correct your constipation, your physician might recommend that you try a fiber supplement such as psyllium, an herbal product that has a laxative effect. Senna, another herbal laxative, or prune juice taken on a regular basis might stimulate bowel activity. Lactulose or magnesium citrate might relieve more severe constipation. To soften impacted stools and prevent bowel obstruction, your physician might prescribe glycerin suppositories or mineral oil enemas. Overuse of laxatives or excessive dietary fiber can cause diarrhea, dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance. If you have infrequent, hard stools associated with lung cancer or cancer treatment, consult your physician before taking laxative products or making changes in your diet.
References
- The Lung Cancer Alliance: Symptom Management --- Constipation
- "American Family Physician": Management of Common Symptoms in Terminally Ill Patients: Part II; Douglas D. Ross, M.D. and Carla S. Alexander, M.D.; Sept. 15, 2001
- American Cancer Society: Nutrition for the Person with Cancer during Treatment
