Dry Mouth
Another common symptom is dryness of the mouth (xerostoma) that may be caused due to depression or anxiety, dehydration, or may be a result of side effects of medications such as antidepressants, tranquilizers, pain relievers and diuretics. Other potential causes include radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments.
Symptoms associated with xerostoma can be mitigated by:
•Increasing fluid intake
•Having Vitamin C tablets or sucking on ice chips
•Chewing sugar-free gum
•Taking proper care of oral hygiene
•Circulating humidified air
Loss of Appetite
Terminally ill patients often experience loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss. If conditions deteriorate and become critical, it is referred to as cachexia. There is general agreement among doctors that nutrition plays an important role in the patient’s well being. Primary reasons that can induce weight loss include lack of proper intake of nutrients due to patient’s refusal or inability to eat, poor absorption of food, and changes in the metabolic rate of the patient.
•Having Vitamin C tablets or sucking on ice chips
•Chewing sugar-free gum
•Taking proper care of oral hygiene
•Circulating humidified air
Loss of Appetite
Terminally ill patients often experience loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss. If conditions deteriorate and become critical, it is referred to as cachexia. There is general agreement among doctors that nutrition plays an important role in the patient’s well being. Primary reasons that can induce weight loss include lack of proper intake of nutrients due to patient’s refusal or inability to eat, poor absorption of food, and changes in the metabolic rate of the patient.
Loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss can be managed by:
•Having smaller, more frequent meals
•Having a high protein, high calorie diet
•Nutritional counseling
There are certain medications that can directly target individual goals of the patient. Some of these medications can help stimulate appetite without increasing weight, some stimulate appetite, but can also lead to slight weight gain, and still others can help avoid nausea and vomiting.
•Having a high protein, high calorie diet
•Nutritional counseling
There are certain medications that can directly target individual goals of the patient. Some of these medications can help stimulate appetite without increasing weight, some stimulate appetite, but can also lead to slight weight gain, and still others can help avoid nausea and vomiting.
Gastrointestinal complications
Gastrointestinal complications may be due to the general progression of the disease, or a result of side effects of medications and treatments administered to the patient. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
Gastrointestinal complications may be due to the general progression of the disease, or a result of side effects of medications and treatments administered to the patient. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
As mentioned earlier, there are medications that can help relieve symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Your doctor or a nutritionist can recommend effective eating habits/or special diets, customized as per individual patient needs
Skin Problems
Cancer patients can be affected by a variety of skin problems such as dryness, sores, ulcers, rash, and itching. It is essential that skin problems be treated immediately to ease discomfort and reduce risk of infection.
Cancer patients can be affected by a variety of skin problems such as dryness, sores, ulcers, rash, and itching. It is essential that skin problems be treated immediately to ease discomfort and reduce risk of infection.
•Dryness can be reduced by adding mineral or baby oil to warm bath water or by using moisturizers. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water every day is also essential.
•Rashes and itching can be reduced by applying a cool, moist cloth over itchy areas or by adding baking soda in cool bath water. Avoid use of harsh laundry detergents and change towels and sheets every day.
•Keep skin dry and clean and check daily for ulcers and pressure sores that may have become infected
Anxiety/Depression
Anxiety is common among patients with life-threatening illnesses. There may be brief, intense panic attacks or long-term generalized anxiety due to fear, apprehensions and worries related to the disease. Primary causes may include the difficulty faced in accepting reality, fear of separation and isolation, inadequate pain management or side effects of medication.
•Rashes and itching can be reduced by applying a cool, moist cloth over itchy areas or by adding baking soda in cool bath water. Avoid use of harsh laundry detergents and change towels and sheets every day.
•Keep skin dry and clean and check daily for ulcers and pressure sores that may have become infected
Anxiety/Depression
Anxiety is common among patients with life-threatening illnesses. There may be brief, intense panic attacks or long-term generalized anxiety due to fear, apprehensions and worries related to the disease. Primary causes may include the difficulty faced in accepting reality, fear of separation and isolation, inadequate pain management or side effects of medication.
Anxiety can be controlled through stress management therapies, counseling, continuous support of family and friends, effectively administering pain control techniques, and controlling the side effects associated with medication.
Although less common, depression affects both patients and family members. Primary causes for depression include change in family roles, losing the ability to function, or inadequate financial and social support. Generalized pain or shortness of breath are other common symptoms that might cause depression.
The above symptoms can be controlled effectively through antidepressant medication, pain management, support & counseling and stress management.
October 20, 2010 – 6:55 pm
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By meso
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Posted in Cancer Treatment
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Comments Off
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By meso
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Posted in Cancer Treatment
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Comments Off
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