Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects

Chemotherapy treatment may turn out to be a bad deed due to its several side effects. Management of chemotherapy depends on administering its side effects, such as fatigue, nausea and hair loss.

Managing Chemotherapy Fatigue

• Most cancer patients experience fatigue after having treated with chemotherapy. They feel exhausted persistently and weakness.
• As a consequence of fatigue, patients may decrease red blood cell count, and may get anaemia.
• Accept help from family, friends and neighbours to cope with fatigue. Consult health care provider to know what physical exercises and medications are best for you.

Managing Nausea

• Nausea is another foremost after-effect of chemotherapy, which must be managed by anti-nausea drugs, physical exercises and dietary restriction.
• Anti-nausea drugs controls nausea and prevents vomiting. The symptom becomes evident after 2—4 days of treatment. Prescriptions should be taken as per guidelines of health care provider.
• Nausea may ruin your appetite. Therefore, an apt nutrition is crucial for people having undergone chemotherapy. Diet chart should have balanced meals and healthy snacks. Spicy ginger also helps to manage nausea and vomiting.
• Moderate physical activity, as recommended by health care provider, helps manage nausea. Usually, meditation is advised by medics that focus on making you feel better by blocking all the negative sensations.
• Mouth sores may also develop along with nausea after chemotherapy. These sores are sensitive to spices, salt, citrus and crunchy foods. A balanced nutrition is a must to prevent mouth sores.

Managing Hair Loss

• A combination of chemo drugs may cause hair loss. Prescriptions should be carefully taken to avoid such aftermaths.
• Using a mild shampoo, setting your hair dryer on low heat, setting hair with brush rollers and avoiding chemical or heat processes on hair are some of the basics to prevent hair loss. Coping with hair loss can be daunting task, but it becomes probable to cope with know-how and precautions.

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Other side-effects in Men and Women

• Chemotherapy sessions may damage ovaries of women. Owing to damaged ovaries, women may experience menopause, such as hot flashes, irregular periods and vaginal dryness. Moreover, women may not be able to become pregnant or cause birth defects in baby.
• Pregnant women below 35 years should have a dialogue with their health care provider about birth control before treatment begins. Infertility is highly likely in women over 35.
• Chemotherapy may also render long-term side-effects in men, which include infertility, kidney damage, hearing loss and leukaemia. Health care provider will suggest the way to deal with fertility concerns after your thorough assessment.

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