Diarrhea

Diarrhea is reduced nutrient absorption due to dysfunction of the small or large intestine. In other words, it means passing stools more than twice daily that are more watery than normal.

Cancer treatment can cause diarrhea. It may be more severe particularly if you receive radiotherapy to the abdomen.

Watery stools can develop a day or two after starting treatment. Untreated diarrhea causes weakness and loss of weight and fluids.

How Can Diarrhea Be Managed?

• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Eat low-fiber foods: white bread, white rice, noodles, bananas, cooked or peeled skinless fruit, yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes or baked potatoes without skin, vegetable puree, and skinless fish and chicken.
• Drink plenty of fluids to replace diarrhea-related losses, approximately 2 liters on average. Clean, clear liquids such as water, apple juice and soup are good examples. Drink slowly and ensure fluids are at room temperature.
• Avoid high-fiber foods that worsen diarrhea and cause cramps. Do not eat wholegrain bread, breakfast cereals, raw vegetables, beans, walnuts, fresh fruit or dried fruit.
• Avoid milk and dairy products if they worsen diarrhea.
• Do not eat fried or out-of-season foods.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee.

Common Diarrhea Medications

• Loperamide hydrochloride (Lopermid):
  If diarrhea begins, you may take 1 or 2 capsules daily, up to a maximum of 8 capsules. Loperamide may cause stomach cramps, gastritis, dry mouth, skin redness, constipation and headache.
• Atropine sulphate et diphenoxylate hydrochloride (Lomotil):
  Taken 3-4 times daily, 1 or 2 capsules may be used, up to a maximum of 8 capsules. This drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, skin redness, difficulty urinating, blurred vision and depression.

Do not use these drugs without consulting your doctor!

Consult Your Doctor

• Hard or bloody stools
• Fever of 38°C or higher
• Ongoing fluid loss
• Dizziness
• Dark yellow urine

Consult your doctor promptly if you have the signs and complaints above. Never follow hearsay advice on your own without your doctor's knowledge. Your doctor will perform necessary tests and take precautions.