Services

Mercy Cancer Center

Diarrhea

What is it?

  • Diarrhea (loose stools) is a side effect that may be caused by chemotherapy or radiation to the abdomen.

  • Diarrhea can be mild or severe. If not treated, diarrhea can get worse and can be life threatening.

What can you do?

  • Eat small amounts more often. Six small meals a day may be better than three large meals.
  • Serve liquids at room temperature and drink them slowly. Avoid very hot or cold drinks.
  • Let carbonated beverages like pop lose their fizz before you drink them. Drink 8-10 cups of fluids a day. A variety of fluids are best. Try clear liquids such as: clear soup or broth, gingerale, weak tea, 7-Up, or Gatorade.

Foods to Try:

  • Bananas, applesauce, peeled cooked apples, apple juice, and white grape juice Toast made with white bread
  • Macaroni, noodles or white rice with no sauce
  • Baked, broiled, or mashed potatoes with no skins
  • Cooked vegetables that are mild, such as asparagus tips, green beans, carrots, spinach, and squash
  • Remember no skins
  • Fish, poultry, and meat that are cooked, broiled and roasted
  • Scrambled eggs, smooth peanut butter, yogurt, or buttermilk are all good sources protein

Foods to Avoid:

  • Milk and ice cream
  • Whole grain bread and cereal
  • Nuts, seeds, and coconuts Fried, greasy, or fatty foods
  • Fresh and dried fruit
  • Prune juice
  • Raw vegetables
  • Rich pastries
  • Popcorn, potato chips, and pretzels
  • Coffee, tea, and soft drinks with caffeine
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Cooked fruits and vegetables with seeds or skins such as berries, corn, and tomatoes
  • Chocolate

Should you develop diarrhea, take the following steps:

  1. At first sign of diarrhea (loose, watery or frequent stools), take 2 Imodium AD tablets, then take 2 tablets every 4 hours.
  2. If you are free of diarrhea for 12 hours, stop taking the Imodium AD.
  3. Drink clear fluids, broth, Gatorade, or Pedialyte - DO NOT drink fruit juice until diarrhea stops.
  4. Record the number of stools you have each day.

When to call us - Phone Number and Hours

Notify your doctor or nurse if you have any of the following:

  • 3 or more watery stools over 24 hours
  • Diarrhea that lasts for more than a 24 hour period
  • If you have any questions about diarrhea and what to do about it.
  • Feel lightheaded, dizzy or have lost more than 3 pounds in 2 days