Nausea and dehydration are common side effects of chemotherapy, but they don’t normally go hand in hand. Even though you might be less hungry than normal, staying hydrated is important because a lack of fluid can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, and weak.
You also need to stay well hydrated for other reasons too. If you’re nauseated from chemo it can lessen your appetite and make it harder for you to keep eating throughout the day. Or if you’re dehydrated it can increase nausea because your body isn’t able to absorb the nutrients from food properly. Luckily, there are several causes of nausea and dehydration that you should know about. Read on to learn more about this side effect of chemo…
Lack of Nutrition
When you’re nauseated from chemo you might feel like you don’t have an appetite, but that isn’t usually the case. It’s normal to feel a little off in how you eat while receiving chemotherapy. That’s because nausea is caused by an imbalance in your body’s hormones, which can make you feel off balance.
One of the hormones that are most affected by chemotherapy is your appetite. When you’re nauseated, you might feel like you don’t have an appetite, but that’s not usually the case. You just feel unbalanced in how your body is functioning. You’re not necessarily hungry more often than usual, but you’re also less likely to skip meals. This could be a good thing because cancer patients who skip meals are more likely to gain weight.
Too Much Exercise
If you exercise a lot or do intense workouts, you might become dehydrated from sweat. When you’re dehydrated, you could have a hard time concentrating and remembering simple tasks like brushing your teeth. If you’re feeling dizzy or confused, it could be because you’re not properly hydrated.
Wrong Medication
If you’re on chemotherapy that can cause nausea, you need to be sure your doctor is aware that you’re suffering from this side effect. Some medications can cause nausea. Your doctor must know about any nausea you’re experiencing so they can make adjustments to your regimen. You’re more likely to suffer from nausea if you’re taking one of the following medications:
- Immunosuppressants – A type of chemotherapy that fights cancer by decreasing a patient’s immunity to infection. Immunosuppressants are used to prevent or treat autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.
Side effects of Chemotherapy
Nausea and dehydration are common side effects of chemotherapy, but they don’t normally go hand in hand. If you’re feeling thirsty, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you’re nauseated from chemo it can lessen your appetite and make it harder for you to keep eating throughout the day. You also need to stay well hydrated for other reasons too.
If you’re nauseated from chemo it can lessen your appetite and make it harder for you to keep eating throughout the day. Or if you’re dehydrated it can increase nausea because your body isn’t able to absorb the nutrients from food properly. Luckily, there are several causes of nausea and dehydration that you should know about. This article provides you with the information you need to prevent this side effect of chemotherapy.
Cause and Effect
If you’re nauseated from chemo it can lessen your appetite and make it harder for you to keep eating throughout the day. Or if you’re dehydrated it can increase nausea because your body isn’t able to absorb the nutrients from food properly.
Gastrointestinal Disorder
If you’re suffering from nausea and/or vomiting from chemo, it could be a sign of a gastrointestinal disorder. This can happen if your gastrointestinal system is weak from other health problems or if you’re suffering from a gastrointestinal disorder. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any problems you’re experiencing with your digestion.
Bacterial Infection
If you’re suffering from nausea, you might have a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Common culprits include urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastroenteritis, and Shigella.
Chemosis or Esthesioneurotic Rubra
Chemosis or esthesioneurotic Rubra is a skin condition caused by inflammation of the lining of the mouth. It’s often caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a condition that interferes with your blood flow (e.g. autoimmune disease). You’re more likely to notice this skin condition when you’re dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help to prevent skin irritation. You can also try rinsing your mouth with cool water or with mouthwash containing menthol.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
If you’re suffering from a UTI, you’re more likely to notice it when you’re dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help to prevent urinary tract infections.
Other Causes of Nausea and Dehydration in Cancer Patients
Certain medications, such as steroids, and alcohol can contribute to nausea and dehydration in cancer patients. It’s also important to remember that certain foods, like chocolate and citrus fruits, can cause nausea and dehydration. If you’re suffering from nausea, it’s important to stay hydrated. It can also help to take an anti-nausea medication like Zofran. The sooner you prevent nausea, the better.