Guest Author - Rhonda Cravey

Diarrhea is a common problem during cancer treatment. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make the diarrhea better. Everyone is different, and every episode is different, so it may take some trial and error to find a solution that helps you.

Medicines such as Lomotil, Immodium, and Pepto Bismal help reduce diarrhea. Your physician can prescribe Lomotil, as well as provide special directions for taking Immodium or Pepto Bismal.

Since diarrhea dehydrates your body, the most important thing you can do during an episode is to drink plenty of liquids. The best liquids are water, clear chicken broth, and sports drinks. Hot and cold temperatures have a tendency to aggravate diarrhea so it is best to drink your beverages at room temperature.

As soon as the diarrhea begins, stop your food intake for an hour or two. Then, begin the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast). Many people find relief by eating green bananas rather than ripe bananas. Once the diarrhea has decreased you can add other bland, low fiber foods such as: skinless chicken, scrambled eggs, crackers, and gelatin.

Once you start to feel better you can resume your normal diet. However, you may find that certain foods trigger an attack of diarrhea, so of course you will want to avoid the “trigger” foods.

Potential trigger foods include:

• Dairy products
  
• Alcohol
  
• Nuts
  
• Beans
  
• High fiber foods
  
• Fatty and greasy foods
  
• Hot and spicy foods
  
• Caffeinated beverages
  
• Raw fruits and vegetables

Diarrhea decreases the potassium in your body so it is important for you to eat foods that will help your potassium level return to normal. Foods high in potassium include: bananas, potatoes, and apricots. If you have kidney problems, consult your physician prior to eating foods high in potassium.

Eating smaller meals throughout the day may also help during an episode of diarrhea, as well as help prevent diarrhea.

One unfortunate side effect of diarrhea is a sore rectum. To help alleviate this, blot (rather than wipe) with soft tissue. Or, even better, replace your tissue with a commercial wet wipe that does not contain alcohol. There are several varieties in the drug store and many of them are flushable. Be sure to take a few with you so that you will have them when you are away from home. You can also apply a product such as Desitin to alleviate pain and to provide a barrier for your skin.

If the diarrhea does not improve, or becomes worse, consult your physician immediately.