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Managing
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be a
troublesome side effect of cancer and it's treatment. Chemotherapy drugs
and radiation treatment often cause diarrhea. Because diarrhea can have
serious consequences if left untreated, it is important that you know what
to do if it occurs. By starting treatment early, more serious problems can
often be prevented.
DEFINITION OF
DIARRHEA
Diarrhea is defined as more frequent, soft, watery, or mushy bowel
movements. More than your usual amount of stool per day and more gas or
cramping, may be early signs of diarrhea.
PREVENTION OF
DIARRHEA While
it is not always possible to prevent diarrhea, there are some things that
you can do that may help. This page includes a list of foods that can
sometimes cause diarrhea. Avoiding these foods if you are prone to
diarrhea, or eating them in small or limited amounts may help.
MANAGEMENT OF
DIARRHEA
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Imodium:
Take 2 tablets initially and then 1 after every unformed or loose
stool. |
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Drink
plenty of fluids such as clear soup or broth, Gatorade and sodas
without fizz |
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Avoid
mild and dairy products, alcohol and caffeine. |
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Follow
the B.R.A.T. diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) |
If after following these directions,
your diarrhea does not stop within 24 hours, call our office.
TIPS FOR
COMFORT
If you have diarrhea
be sure to keep the rectal area clean with mild soap and water. If the
area is irritated, Desitin, A&D Ointment, or a similar product may be
helpful.
Soaking in a tub of
warm water may be comforting to the rectal area and may also soothe your
abdomen if you have cramps.
CALL OUR
OFFICE IF:
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You have fevers,
chills or sweats
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You experience
dizziness, weakness or lightheadedness
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You have not
urinated for more than 8 hours
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Your urine is dark
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You have blood in
your stools
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You have severe
cramping, pain or bloating
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You are also having
nausea and vomiting |
FOODS TO
AVOID
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Breads, muffins,
and cereals made with whole grain, fiber, seeds, nuts, and fruit
skins. Pasta/rice: wild rice and whole-wheat noodles
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Fresh fruits except
for bananas Canned fruits: berries, grapes, berry pie filling, jams
and preserves. Avoid all dried fruits
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Fruit/vegetable
juices: prune and large amounts of citrus juices
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Fresh and frozen
vegetables: no fresh raw vegetables Avoid cooked onions, broccoli,
green peppers, corn cauliflower, beans, peas, lentils, turnips, potato
skins and fries.
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Canned vegetables:
Onions, cabbage, corn, brussels sprouts, dried beans/peas/lentils,
olives and pickles.
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Fats: Avoid large
amounts of mayonnaise, margarine, butter, gravies and dressings.
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Beverages: Regular coffee and tea, caffeinated sodas, and
alcohol.
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MISC: Large amounts
of peppers, popcorn and potato chips
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Meats/Protein: Any
fried meat, fatty or cured meats, fried eggs, and high fat cheeses.
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Soups: Any broth
based soup that includes foods that should be avoided, cream-based
soups.
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Desserts: Rich
desserts, and those with fruits and nuts.
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Milk products: Any
products not on the allowed list or if you are lactose intolerant
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FOODS ALLOWED
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Enriched white,
Vienna, French, light rye without seeds, melba toast, plain pancakes,
waffles, and muffins.
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White and brown
rice, enriched noodles, and most other pastas
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Bananas Applesauce,
apricots, peaches, pears, oranges, and jellies.
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Juices without
pulp, and citrus juices in moderation
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Well-cooked green
beans, beets, squash, potatoes, carrots, spinach, asparagus, strained
tomatoes, celery and mushrooms.
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Green beans peas,
beets, squash, tomato sauce and puree, potatoes, carrots, mushrooms,
and asparagus.
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USE IN SMALL
AMOUNTS
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Water, weak or
decaf tea, ginger ale, 7-up or clear soft drinks, decaf colas,
Gatorade and sport drinks.
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All herbs and
spices, salt soy sauce, vinegar, and catsup.
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Stewed, boiled,
baked, and barbecued well-trimmed, low-fat meats and poultry,
non-fried eggs, cottage cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, farmer,
string, and parmesan cheeses.
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Broth based soups
with allowed foods, cream soups made with low-fat milk.
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Popsicles, sherbet,
jello, angel food cake, hard candy, pudding made with low-fat milk,
plain cookies, frozen yogurt.
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2
cups or the equivalent per day of low fat milk products such as skim
milk per day, low fat powdered milk, buttermilk, evaporated milk, and
ice milk.
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