Many patients struggle with recurrent diarrhea after radiotherapy. In fact, in addition to seeking professional treatment from a doctor, there are treatments at home that you can use to improve your symptoms.
Finding the right approach works
When taking home treatment, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking your prescription medication. It’s also best to ask your doctor before using any over-the-counter medications.
- Drink water or rehydration drinks (also called oral rehydration salts) in small amounts several times, 3000 mL or more daily, with appropriate supplements of foods rich in electrolytes such as potassium and sodium such as orange juice, grape juice, bananas, and popcorn.
- Encourage the consumption of fluid or semi-liquid food rich in nutrients and sufficient calories, which can be accompanied by solid food such as buns and bread to effectively improve the digestion and absorption time of food in the stomach, and adjust the body position appropriately.
- According to your condition, small and frequent meals can be eaten with appropriate light and mild, less crumbly, low-fiber foods.
- For 2 days, avoid cold, spicy and greasy foods, and avoid gas-producing foods such as sugar, beans, cabbage, carbonated drinks, alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
- Do not eat gum containing sorbitol.
- Avoid milk, cheese, or ice cream for 3 days after symptoms disappear. It is difficult for your body to digest dairy products when you have diarrhea.
- Watch for temperature changes and pay attention to dietary hygiene to prevent intestinal infections.
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Pay attention to bed rest, keep the abdomen warm, and avoid stimulation such as massage and compression to reduce gastrointestinal motility.
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Keep the perianal skin clean, dry, and comfortable. Wash with warm water and wipe clean after toileting for diarrhea, and wet wipes and spray bottles can also come in handy.
Some symptoms to watch for
Home remedies are important if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Symptoms of dehydration such as dry skin, sunken eyes, and low urine, and symptoms of electrolyte disturbance such as weakness and abdominal distention.
- Severe diarrhea (large amount of loose stool every 1 to 2 hours).
- Diarrhea for more than 1 week.
- Severe pain in the abdomen.
- Severe pain in the abdomen.
- Black or bloody stools.
- Fever.
- Worsening of symptoms or increased frequency of attacks.
- Be sure to consult your doctor if you have hemorrhoids, or if you experience pain or bleeding during toileting.
Crafting a response after diarrhea
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing disposable gloves to clean up diarrhea and other body fluids. You can also wear reusable gloves that can be washed after each use. If you don’t have gloves, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when you are done cleaning up.
Co-reviewed by: Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute Dr. Yue-Li Sun Dr. Ming-Feng Zhang