Tips to help manage diarrhea and fatigue during advanced Renal Cell Cancer treatment
-----------------------------------------------------(From Medlinx) -----------------
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is an abnormal increase in stool liquidity
and frequency (4 to 6 stools or more per day over baseline) with or
without nocturnal bowel movements and/or moderate abdominal cramping.
Diarrhea, a common side effect of many cancer regimens, can cause
depletion of fluids and electrolytes, malnutrition, dehydration, and
hospitalization, and therefore can interfere with cancer treatment,
causing dosing delays or reductions.1
Patient education strategies
- Emphasize the importance of maximizing oral hydration strategies to avoid dehydration and electrolyte imbalances2
- Educate patients about the likelihood that diarrhea will develop3-5
Management tips for patients
- Diarrhea may be managed through diet as well as
pharmacologic treatment when necessary, based on the clinical judgment
of the treating healthcare provider (HCP).1,3,4 The first step in treatment is dietary management3,5,6:
- Yogurt containing probiotics
- Soluble fiber
- Small but frequent meals
- Fluids, such as water, diluted cranberry juice, broth, decaffeinated tea or coffee
- Over-the-counter and Rx agents may also be used, according to labeling1,3,4
Fatigue/asthenia
Fatigue/asthenia is a distressing, persistent,
subjective sense of physical, emotional, and/or cognitive tiredness or
exhaustion, related to cancer or cancer treatment, that is not
proportional to recent activity and interferes with usual functioning.7
Patient education strategies7,8
- Encourage patients to:
- Take short naps and breaks instead of long ones
- Eat well and drink plenty of fluids
- Take short walks and/or do light exercise
- Do relaxing activities as a distraction (eg, listening to music or reading)
Management tips for patients
