Colitis after chemotherapy

Many patients observe severe deterioration in the digestive system after chemotherapy. In this case, the symptoms of gastrointestinal disturbance are the most frequent complications after the end of treatment.

One of the side effects of chemotherapy is the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large intestine, which is called colitis. The cause of this disease is damage to the mucous membrane of the colon by the toxic effects of drugs. In this case, the walls of the intestine begin to swell, which violates the contractile function of the intestine (peristalsis) and the production of mucus.

[1], [2], [3], [4]

Symptoms of colitis after chemotherapy

Symptoms of colitis after chemotherapy is the appearance of abdominal pains of a spasmodic nature, the appearance of rumbling and bloating, constipation or diarrhea, as well as unstable stools - alternating constipation with diarrhea. In this case, the urge to empty the intestines is often painful. Sometimes in fecal masses mucus or impurities of blood are observed. In this condition, the patient experiences a feeling of lethargy and weakness, sometimes an increase in the overall body temperature.

Dysbacteriosis after chemotherapy

Dysbacteriosis after chemotherapy occurs due to toxic damage to the friendly intestinal microflora. As a result, the ratio of beneficial and harmful microflora in the intestine to the benefit of pathogenic bacteria is violated, which leads to the appearance of a dysbacteriosis.

Symptoms of this disease are:

• Discomfort in the abdomen.
• Increase gazoobrazovaniya - the emergence of flatulence.
• Changes in the stool - the appearance of diarrhea, constipation or unstable stool.
• The appearance of pain in the abdomen.

[5], [6], [7], [8], [9]

Diarrhea after chemotherapy

A certain proportion of patients after the course of treatment begin to suffer from diarrhea. Diarrhea after chemotherapy occurs due to dysbiosis in the intestines, caused by the action of strong drugs. Also, the cause of diarrhea is the defeat of the peripheral nervous system, which manifests itself in autonomic polyneuropathy - that is, a violation of the motor (motor) functions of many organs and systems of the patient.

[10], [11], [12], [13]

Constipation after chemotherapy

After chemotherapy, there may be difficulty in emptying the intestine. This is manifested in the fact that the patient has to push to go to the toilet, because the chair has become very hard.

Constipation after chemotherapy occurs due to a violation of the intestinal microflora, which was destroyed by potent drugs. Also, the cause of constipation is the defeat of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Another reason for such a violation of emptying is the defeat of the peripheral nervous system and the emergence of vegetative polyneuropathy, which leads to disruption of motor activity of all organs and systems, including the gastrointestinal tract.

[14], [15], [16]

Treatment of colitis after chemotherapy

Treatment of colitis after chemotherapy includes the following activities:

• Change diet in accordance with the diet recommended by a doctor.
• The use of antispasmodics, for example, no-shpy.
• Purpose regulators of intestinal motility.
• Use of antidiarrheal drugs, for example, loperamide and imodium.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, sulfasalazine.
• In some severe cases, the administration of glucocorticoid hormones is prescribed.
• If the inflammatory process is accompanied by the appearance of an intestinal infection, then antibiotics are prescribed.
• It is good to use physiotherapy in the form of thermal therapy.
• You can resort to sanatorium treatment, which includes the reception of mineral waters and other procedures.

To ease the patient's condition with diarrhea after chemotherapy, the following recommendations should be adhered to:

1. The patient should take the food in boiled, wiped or cooked steamed. Spices, fat and coarse fiber of plant origin are excluded.
2. The food is taken often and in small portions, every three hours. As a result, at least five to six meals a day are obtained per day.
3. In the diet of food products of fixing action are introduced - boiled rice; white bread crumbs or stale white bread; bananas; baked apples; Soups with a thin broth of meat, fish or vegetables with boiled cereals; low-fat meat and fish in the form of steam cutlets; boiled eggs and steam omelettes; porridges in the grated form, reminiscent of "smashing", cooked on the water.
4. From drinks strong tea, mineral water, herbal extracts with tannins, juices and kissels with astringent properties, unsweetened compotes of dried fruit of low concentration are recommended.
5. To compensate for the loss of fluid, you need to take rehydrating solutions - Regidron or Gastrolit.

For constipation after chemotherapy, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

• It is necessary to include in the diet foods rich in fiber. These include vegetables, fruits, greens, berries, whole grain bread, uncooked cereals, seeds and nuts. Good help to cure constipation of apricots, plums, beets, as well as dried apricots and prunes.
• You need to drink plenty of fluids every day, at least two liters. Useful beverages include pure water, freshly prepared juices from fruits and vegetables, fruit drinks and fruit compotes, green tea without sugar. Especially useful are compotes from dried fruits.
• Every day movement is necessary, which includes walking for at least half an hour. Well helps to cope with constipation bicycling and morning exercises.