Even though chemotherapy has been well documented to be one of the primary choices for cancer treatment, it has been known to also cause some adverse effects. Hair loss is a side effect of chemotherapy that patients planned to receive this procedure dread. One common question cancer patients ask their physicians is the correlation of hair loss and chemotherapy. Basically, hair loss during chemotherapy can be explained simply by the eradication of quick developing and growing cells in the body.

Chemotherapy drugs are specifically developed to eradicate fast developing malignant cancer cells in the body and regrettably these drugs cannot tell the difference between the fast growing normal cells found in hair and the malignant cancerous ones. Subsequently these drugs eradicate both normal and malignant cells without any difference.

Sometimes a patient is diagnosed with cancer in a very late stage thus requiring extensive treatment. During this extensive treatment usually high levels of chemotherapy drugs are given which in turn causes a quicker rate of healthy cells to be eradicated besides the malignant cells compared to other areas of the body, hair follicle cells have a quicker rate of regeneration which causes it to be an exact target for chemotherapy drugs. The amount of chemotherapy administered correlate with the rate of hair loss. High intensity chemotherapy is damaging for hair cells, on the other hand, if low intensity chemotherapy is administered a large percentage of hair cells can be salvaged. Total hair loss is the direct result of extended chemotherapy sessions over long periods of time. Limited hair loss can be seen in less serious cases plus most of the lost hair can regenerate in a short period of time. Hair loss during chemotherapy is certainly a major problem for cancer patients.

Patients suffering from hair loss due to chemotherapy nowadays should not be worried. Patients with hair loss do not have to receive medication to regenerate hair growth because it is a temporary side effect. There are several ways to conceal their baldness such as using fashionable wigs. Patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy that experience severe hair loss can choose to go to through hair loss treatments. On a positive note, patients experiencing hair loss do not have to seek special hair growth treatment since the conventional methods of treatment will do wonders to manage their chemotherapy hair loss problem.

Since chemotherapy is a vital part of cancer management most children suffering from cancer are recommended to undergo this procedure since chemotherapy itself actively destroys malignant cancer cells. For children chemotherapy treatment is usually administered intravenously so the drug can travel systemically through the blood vessels rather than orally with pills.

There are various factors that should be considered before deciding the type of chemotherapy a child undergoes. These factors include the age, height, and weight of the child but most importantly the histological type of the cancer.

Basically chemotherapy has been known to induce several side effects which include vomiting, nausea, hair loss, chills, fever, and fatigue. In any case a child who is undergoing chemotherapy experiences high fever or continuous bleeding, you must take extra care. It is essential to consult your pediatrician quickly since it may be a sign of infection.

Skin rashes are also another troublesome side effect of chemotherapy. Babies and younger children usually develop these rashes during the process of chemotherapy. It is advisable to apply topical medications such as cod liver oil or zinc cream to prevent pain from these blisters. Other creams like Desitin or Comforts for Baby can be used to decrease discomfort caused by these rashes.

A specific but rare condition can occur when the volume of white blood cells in the blood stream decreases. This condition is followed by several side effects including sore throat, urination pains, coughing and stuffy nose.

Furthermore it is essential for parents to understand and educate themselves about cancer and chemotherapy to assist managing their child’s disease. There are multiple sources of information which can be acquired through books, cancer support groups and even consulting an expert.

We all understand that chemotherapy is a series of drug treatments which is routinely given to several types of cancer but it is also uncommonly known to be used for other diseases. Basically chemotherapy drugs act systemically and travel throughout the bloodstream. Chemotherapy drugs act against abnormal malignant cells in the body plus support the normal cells thus eradicating the cancer. Usually a lot of chemotherapy treatment side effects vanish when the treatment is terminated but once in a while there are several side effects that linger for quite long and sometimes become permanent.

Based on several clinical studies, a majority of patients undergoing chemotherapy usually feel a difference in tasting. These patients complain that their mouths continuously taste quite metallic. This causes these patients to not have an appetite for sweet food or even the opposite of not desiring sweet food at all.

Another usual side effect from chemotherapy which lasts quite long is tiredness and fatigue. Patients undergoing extensive periods of chemotherapy usually were administered large doses of chemotherapy drugs. This may have caused extended periods of decreased resistance to injections.

Although it does not happen too often, chemotherapy treatment can induce infertility in patients, either temporarily or even permanently. This condition entirely depends on other health factors such as the type of cancer they are suffering and the patient’s age. Infertility as a side effect of chemotherapy can happen to men and women equally so it is important that patient have a basic understanding of the risk of chemotherapy before undergoing it.

Several organs can also be affected by chemotherapy. It has been documented to damage vital organs such as the lungs and even the heart. Subsequently, the prolonged side effects due to lung and heart damage include serious ailments such as restrictive lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis.

There are several things you can do to minimise the effects of chemotherapy treatment, and to manage any side effects you may experience. firstly though it is important that you tell your doctor or nurse if you experience side effects, as they can best advise you how to manage them, and may even be able to prescribe some medication to prevent the side effectc occurinf throughout future cycles of Chemo.

Feeling Nauseous (sick) or Vomiting.
When you receive your chemotherapy treatment, it is likely you will also receive some drugs intravenously (or orally) thast will prevent nausea. You may also be givin some of these to take home with you. You not feel nasueous unitil a few hours or even days after your treatment, but if this feeling continues for more than a few daysd and is preventing you form eating or drinking, it is a good idea to contact your doctor.

There are many different types of anti-nusea drugs available, so if one doesn’t work for you, tell your Doctor and try another. Sometimes it may be a case of trial and error to find the best drug for you.

Chances are that during chemotherapy treatment your tastes and eating habbits will change. If this does occur, try to continue to eat small regular meals, and when you feel hungry try to make up for the times when you’re not able to face food. Eating a well balanced diet will ultimately help you cope better with your treatment and recover from your disease.

Constipation/diarrhoea
Unforunately it is common to suffer from both constipation and diarrhoae during chemo. Cytotoxic drugs (the actual chemo) tebd to cause diarrhoea whilst anti-nausea and pain killers can cause constipation. it can somtimes prove difficult to manage these symptoms as they often happen in quick succession.

If you are having problems with constipation, try and increase the amount of fibre in your diet – like wholemeal breads and pasta, fruits, vegetables and bran. Also try some light exercise such as walking.

If diarrohea is troubling you, you should avoid fibre rich products, avoid spicy and rich foods and try eating small meals more often. Biscuits, toast, cooked rice and cgese and also known to be good. There are also some medications you can take at home to try and stop the diarrhoea – ask your doctor.

Whichever of these side effects bothers you, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Water will help loosen your constipation, and also will help keep you hydrated if you are experiencing diarrhoea. If your diarrhoea becomes extreme, you may need to attend hospital.

Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers (sore inside your mouth that can also occur down your throat) are a common side effect of chemotherapy treatment. Some chemptherapy drugs are given whilst you suck ice chips in order to try and prevent blood flow to this area whilst the chemotherapy is circulationg through your blood stream.

It is advisable to have a dental check-up before undergoing chemotherapy, to make sure there are no underlying mouth infections.

Mouth care will become very important during your chemotherapy treatment regime. It is important to start using a soft (or even a childrens) toothbrush to avoid mouth scratches. and to stop using any alcohol based mouthwashes as these may lead to more irritation. You can however use a salt water or bi-carb water mouth wash after first checking with your doctor.

If you notice mouth ulcers appearing, or have trouble with thickening saliva, or difficulty swallowing it is a good idea to contact your doctor for advice. I hope this article help you with info about chemotherapy treatment.