Mesothelioma Symptoms: Diarrhea
One common side effect of malignant mesothelioma that many patients can find themselves facing during treatment is stomach problems and diarrhea. Caused by the effects of chemotherapy on the body as well as potential dieting miscues, the symptoms can be eased with the proper adjustments to the way one eats on a daily basis.
The primary reason for patient patients with mesothelioma or
asbestos cancer to develop stomach problems and diarrhea is because of the damaging effect that many chemotherapy medications have on the cell linings of the intestines and stomach as they try to kill cancerous cells. However, eating large meals on a regular basis has also been found as a contributor to worse stomach problems. Instead, doctors recommend splitting meals up into smaller amounts that are eaten throughout the day and easier to digest.
Keeping track of the food one eats may also help and ease symptoms somewhat if certain foods can be singled out as ones that worsen (or improve) stomach problems.
Additionally, drinking as much fluid as possible is also recommended by many doctors. In addition to being easy on the stomach, liquid based food and drinks will prevent the body from getting dehydrated by compensating for any fluids that have been lost. Vegetable broths and electrolyte-based sports drinks are among the more effective in helping patients deal with diarrhea.
If diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours, or is accompanied by pain, bleeding, or a loss of energy, a doctor should be consulted in order to prescribe stronger medications and provide a steady dose of liquid and nutrients through intravenous fluid.
In addition to receiving treatment for mesothelioma, patients and their families may also want to pursue possible legal action against a company or former employer if the diagnosis can be attributed to
asbestos exposure they caused. Contact a
mesothelioma attorney if you have questions about
asbestos laws and would like to see if there are grounds for a mesotheolioma lawsuit following a confirmed diagnosis.