What Causes Constipation During Chemotherapy? Everything You Need To Know

Symptoms Of Constipation During Chemotherapy

The common signs and symptoms of constipation include abdominal pain, rectal tearing, sense of feeling full in the abdomen and haven't had a bowel movement for two or three days [4].

Complications Of Constipation During Chemotherapy

Constipation if left untreated can lead to severe complications: [5] [6]

• Rectal tearing
• Piles (haemorrhoids)
• Faecal impaction( a condition in which hard, dry stool gets stuck in the rectum that the body can't push out)
• Confusion
• Severe nausea with or without vomiting.

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When To See A Doctor

Cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy should maintain regular bowel movements. However, you should consult your oncologist immediately if you haven't had a bowel movement in two days.

Diagnosis Of Constipation During Chemotherapy

The diagnosis of constipation during chemotherapy can be evaluated based on the symptoms alone or in combination with other medications prescribed during cancer treatment that may have increased the risk of constipation.

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How To Manage Constipation During Chemotherapy?

Constipation can be managed or prevented by implementing some changes in your lifestyle.

• Eat more fibre-rich foods

If you are experiencing mild symptoms of constipation, increase the intake of fibre in your diet to help regulate your bowel movements. A study published in the journal Cancer Nursing found that leukaemia patients who were undergoing chemotherapy and having constipation as a side effect were fed sweet potatoes, which resulted in improvement of bowel movements and prevented constipation [7] [8].

Eat fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, brown rice, oats, quinoa, beans, nuts and chia seeds. And consult your doctor about how much fibre you should be consuming daily.

• Drink plenty of water

Drinking plenty of water keeps your stool soft and makes it easier to pass. Generally, it is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water per day to keep your body hydrated. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages as they can cause dehydration, which could worsen constipation [9].

• Exercise daily

Exercise can help in regulating your bowel movements. Take short, regular walks and make sure that you don't overdo it. However, you should talk to your doctor before starting any exercise [10].

• Medications

Certain laxative medications can aid in the treatment of constipation during chemotherapy. [11]

• Bulk-forming laxatives - These medications work by drawing water back into the intestine to reduce the hardness of the stool and lower the transit time (the amount of time the stool stays in the colon). Although, bulk-forming laxatives are recommended as the first step for treating mild constipation, however, it can take up to 72 hours to show the effects and therefore it's not ideal for the management of constipation in cancer patients. Methylcellulose, psyllium, and polycarbophil are usually used for treating constipation during chemotherapy.
• Osmotic laxatives - Osmotic laxatives such as lactulose, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol compounds, and saline laxatives (magnesium hydroxide) work by retaining fluid in the gastrointestinal tract. This makes the stool easier to pass.
• Emollient (stool softener laxatives) - Emollient laxatives, also known as stool softeners soften the stool by mixing water and fat in the stool, thereby allowing the stool to pass more easily through the gastrointestinal tract.
• Stimulant laxatives - Stimulant laxatives such as diphenylmethane derivatives, senna, cascara, ricinoleic acid (castor oil), and surface-acting agents directly stimulate the nerves around the colon, which allows the stool to pass easily through the gastrointestinal tract. Stimulant laxatives are only used for short-term and overuse of it can cause dehydration.
• Lubricant laxatives - Lubricant laxative like liquid paraffin, also known as mineral oil is used to treat constipation during chemotherapy. It works by bringing water into the stool to soften and lubricate it to make it easier to pass out of the body.

Common FAQs

Q. What helps with constipation during chemo?

A. Increasing your fibre intake, drinking plenty of water, doing some simple exercises and having medications like laxatives and stool softeners can help with constipation during chemotherapy.

Q. Does chemo affect bowel movements?

A. Yes, it can cause constipation and diarrhoea.

Q. What medications help with constipation during chemo?

A. Bulk-forming laxatives, osmotic laxatives, emollient laxatives, stimulant laxatives and lubricant laxatives are the medications used to help treat constipation during chemo.