Cancer patients when chemotherapy experience many side effects, but all have improved methods, such as cold hats to reduce hair loss, drink plenty of water to reduce digestive disorders.
Dr. Nguyen Duy Anh, a lecturer majoring in nuclear medicine and oncology – Hanoi Medical University, said the majority of cancer patients have side effects during chemotherapy, including nausea, fatigue, hair loss, diarrhea, mouth ulcers. These effects make patients worried, greatly affecting the quality of life.
Here’s how to help reduce and control the side effects:
Reduce nausea and vomiting
Nausea is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, which can be controlled by taking anti -vomiting drugs. Besides, patients should split meals, eat less but many times a day, avoid eating too full. In addition, it is necessary to avoid strong smell like grease, fried. Add ginger to the meals or drinking water ginger tea, chew a slice of fresh ginger.
Relaxing, deep breathing, listening to light music, meditation or acupuncture can also help control nausea.
Reduce fatigue
Fatigue is a situation where many cancer patients encounter, you can improve by getting enough sleep, trying to maintain a fixed sleep time, limit your phone before sleeping.
Chemotherapy anemia can make the body more tired, so supplement foods rich in protein, iron, vitamin B12 such as beef, fish, eggs, and vegetables. Gentle exercise by walking, yoga or mild exercise helps improve circulation, reduce fatigue.
When infected, many people are stressed, anxious, this can make you exhausted. Talk to relatives or join cancer support groups to be more comfortable.
Reduce digestive disorders
If diarrhea, drink plenty of water (filtered water, Oresol water) to avoid dehydration. Eating soft, easy -to -digest foods such as porridge, soup; Avoid milk, greasy food, hot spicy food.
If constipated, eat lots of green vegetables, fruits, drink enough water. In addition, gentle exercise to stimulate digestion. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe safe laxatives.
Reduce ulcers, dry mouth
Patients should rinse their mouth regularly with dilute saline or mild antiseptic solution. Drink enough water to keep the mouth moist, reducing the feeling of dryness. Avoid sour, spicy foods, instead increase the use of honey or coconut oil.
Reduce the risk of infection due to leukemia
Chemotherapy may reduce leukocytes, making the body more susceptible to infection. To protect yourself, you should wash your hands regularly, avoid contact with people with the flu. Eat safely, avoid raw foods like sushi, raw vegetables, raw eggs. Complete nutritional supplements to boost immunity. If the fever is high or there is signs of infection, immediately notify the doctor.
Cancer patients must treat long -term, chemotherapy has many side effects. Artwork: Science Source
Prevent hair loss
Hair loss is a common side effect of some valence. Currently, some hospitals have a cold hat method that helps reduce hair loss when transmitting chemicals. Besides, patients need gently hair care, do not use chemicals dye, bend during treatment. If hair loss, you can choose wigs or scarves to always be confident.
Reduce numbness, aches and pains
Some chemotherapy may cause nerve damage, causing numb body, limb aches. To reduce this symptom, you can supplement B vitamins (B1, B6, B12) as directed by your doctor; Massage, acupuncture; Keep the body warm, avoid cold contact, especially in the winter.
Chemotherapy is not easy. If you experience side effects, do not endure alone but immediately discuss with your doctor for appropriate treatment. The most important is to keep the optimistic spirit, believe in the treatment process to achieve the best results.