subject: Cancer Chemotherapy Side Effects [print this page] Cancer Chemotherapy Side Effects Cancer Chemotherapy Side Effects
Chemotherapy treatments are in most cases toxic. Radiation and chemotherapy drugs attack cancer but in the process do some damage to normal cells. These comprise the major cancer chemotherapy side effects. As in most cases, these side effects of chemotherapy treatments resolve themselves soon after the completion of the treatment program. The following is our list of the most common chemotherapy side effects and its proper management.
Predisposition to Infection and Plummeting Blood Count
While going through a chemotherapy treatment or radiotherapy, the patient's blood count may drop way below the normal levels. The most commonly affected are the white blood cells thus lowering the body's defense against infection. It is important for patients to consult with their doctor if they develop fever while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. In some cases, patients may require transfusion to restore the blood count to normal levels and prevent infections.
Nausea and Feeling Sick
There are certain types of chemotherapy drugs that make patients nauseous. Vomiting is not uncommon to these patients taking chemotherapy drugs. This problem may also occur when doing radiotherapy to the patient's abdomen. Doctors normally provide patients with anti-emetic drugs to tackle or mitigate this side effect. These drugs are administered before a cycle of treatment.
Loss of Hair
This is the most common side effect that is associated with chemotherapy treatment. This medical condition known as alopecia is dependent upon the type of chemotherapy drugs that are being used in treating the cancer. There are even some drugs that result to severe hair loss. Nonetheless, the hair returns in a few months after the completion of the required cycle of chemotherapy treatments although in most instances it would take as much as one year before the hair grows back completely.
Sore Throat and Mouth
There are certain types of chemotherapy treatments that lead to sore mouth and the condition usually occurs a few weeks after the treatment regimen is started. The patient will find it difficult to swallow solid foods and drink fluids. This condition is addressed by administering pain relievers and shifting to semi-solid diet. As in most side effects, this condition is transient.
Related Info:
Beauty tips in urdu
Hair removal tips
Lips Care tips
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
