How to Manage Chemotherapy Side Effects?

1. How to Manage Chemotherapy Side Effects? http://www.empowereddoctor.com

2. Although chemotherapy has life-saving potential as a cancer treatment, it is known for its notorious side effects too. Both cancer specialists and researchers are trying to come up with drugs that would cause minimum or no side effects at all.

3. There are dozens of uncomfortable and distressing side effects of chemotherapy drugs but fatigue, hair loss and nausea are very common.

4. Managing Chemotherapy Fatigue According to survey, fatigue affects more than 76 percent patients undergoing chemotherapy. For some, the feeling of fatigue is persistent and weakening. It causes severe exhaustion even without working. For some patients, the weakness and exhaustion makes it even more difficult to carry out mundane activities.

5. Chemotherapy patients often report reduced red blood cell count, which causes anemia, and in turn leads to fatigue. The best way to fight fatigue is to make sure that a patient does not indulge in a lot of unnecessary and unimportant activities. Getting plenty of rest is the best self-help method to follow. Following some exercise program may help, but only if recommended by the cancer specialist.

6. Managing Hair Loss from Chemotherapy Hair loss is a very common and infamous complication associated with chemotherapy. It is a side effect that no cancer patient will be spared of. Although the core cancer drugs used for chemotherapy may not cause hair loss directly, a combination of some other drugs may lead to embarrassing hair loss, usually baldness.

7. To prevent hair loss, patients should avoid using any harsh chemical-based soaps or shampoos. Any type of chemical, hair dryer or other heat processes should be avoided. The only way to manage hair loss is to wear hairpieces or wigs.

8. Managing Nausea from Chemotherapy There are more than 90 percent patients suffering from Nausea, it is one of the most dreaded side effects of chemotherapy. It is very difficult to deal with this condition, which makes a person weaker and more uncomfortable.

9. Ginger is spicy and it often helps in managing the symptoms like vomiting and nausea. Clinical trials have shown promising results. Another effective solution is Guided Imagery. It is a meditative practice involving imagination of a pleasant and relaxing environment in the mind. By concentrating on things that give a feel-good factor, it is possible to block negative physical senses.

10. Nausea undoubtedly ruins appetite. However, good nutrition remains critical to fight cancer. When a patient fails to manage heavy or big meals, nibbling throughout the day and sipping healthy soups and juices may help. Coping with the side effects of chemotherapy can be an extremely daunting task. However, with some knowledge and experimentation, one can cope as well as thrive. Visit Us: