Trails Center.org
Home    |    Search For Specialist   |    Clinical Trials in US    |    Clinical Trials Worldwide    |    Blog
 


WHAT ARE CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS ?


Posted by admin on June 16th, 2009 filed in Cancers and Tumors

It is a well known facts, that chemotherapy is used to kill the cancerous cells. But a fact remains hidden that, it also harms the healthy cells in our body. The general side effects from chemotherapy can affect the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and the bone marrow. Most of the patients experience some degree of side effects, which may include any or all of the following:

  • Nausea and vomiting: Most common side effect of chemotherapy. Can be controlled with anti-sickness drugs (anti-emetics), prescribed by the doctor.

  • Fatigue: Most common side effect. One may experience certain feelings like weakness, lack of energy, weariness, problem to thinking and constipation, forgetfulness and decrease in mental and physical functioning.

  • Hair loss: Least harmful side effect, but difficult to control. Use of a cold compress around the scalp during chemotherapy, may help to stop hair loss to some extent. Hair will grow back surprisingly quickly once treatment is over.

  • Constipation: During this treatment, constipation is a common consequence. It may be due to:
    Reduced intake of food and low fiber food
    Lack of physical activity
    Complete bed rest
    Depression
    Some chemotherapy drugs

  • Susceptibility to infections: While attacking the cancerous cells, the drugs also destroy normal cells including white blood cells, that fight infections. When WBC fall short, the body’s immune system is weakened making susceptible to infections.

  • Decrease in blood cell count: During this process, one may become anemic. Regular blood tests are done to ensure this does not happen. If essential, the blood transfusions are done.

  • Mouth sores and ulcers: Some chemotherapy drugs may cause sores and ulcers in the mouth. Regular use of a mouthwash is very important.

  • Bone marrow suppression: Bone marrow is the liquid found in the inner part of bones that plays an important role in production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. This is one of the most common side effects, in which bone marrow gets damaged.

    • It should always be remembered, that the side effects of chemotherapy depends on the type and number of drugs used, that individuals react very differently, and that all side effects are temporary and disappear once treatment is completed.

    • Share/Save/Bookmark

    Leave a Comment

    Spam Protection by WP-SpamFree Plugin