What Can You Do to Prevent Constipation?
Unlike many of the other side effects of cancer and its treatment, there are
certain things that you yourself can do to prevent or minimize constipation. The
actions to take include:
Know what to look for. The signs and symptoms of constipation include:
- small, hard bowel movements
- failure to have a regular bowel movement in 3 days
- leaking of small amounts of soft stool (like diarrhea) from the rectum
- frequent and/or persistent stomach aches or cramps
- passing a large amount of gas or frequent belching
- blown-up or enlarged belly nausea and/or vomiting
Increase the amount of high fiber foods in the daily diet,
including:
- fresh raw vegetables
- fresh raw fruits, especially those with skins (apples, pears, plums) and
seeds
- bran, whole grains and cereals
- dried fruits, especially dates, prunes and apricots
- prune juice
Avoid or decrease the intake of foods that can cause constipation, including;
Increase fluid intake. Try to drink about 3 quarts of fluid per day, unless
your doctor or nurse tells you not to do so. Not only will this help to prevent
or minimize constipation, but it will also help to prevent dehydration and
malnutrition. Specific fluids to drink include:
- fresh fruit juices, except apple juice
- warm or hot fluids, especially in the morning
- Increase physical activity as much as possible. Even short walks will help
decrease constipation. It is important, however, that the level of activity
does not cause severe tiredness or exhaustion.
- DO NOT use over-the-counter laxatives, stool softeners or enemas unless
instructed to do so by your doctor or nurse. If you have tried the measures
described above and your are still constipated, discuss the situation with
your doctor or nurse, who will give your further instructions.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Call your doctor if you have any one or more of the following:
- no bowel movement in 3 days
- blood in or around the anal area, in the stool, on the toilet paper or in
the toiled bowel after a bowel movement
- no bowel movement within 1 day of taking a laxative prescribed by the
doctor
- persistent, severe cramps in the lower abdomen and/or vomiting
Remember to check with your Doctor before you take any laxatives or stool
softeners. Ask your Doctor or Nurse if you have any questions about
constipation, or any other questions about your treatment.
Sources:
Excerpts from a series of articles on OncoLink.
NCI/PDQ Patient Information: Constipation,
impaction, and bowel obstruction - Updated 06/2000
