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What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Mar 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
In general, chemotherapy is an important method for the treatment of malignant tumors, and its side effects may include gastrointestinal reactions, hair loss, bone marrow suppression, liver and kidney function damage, and cardiac toxicity. Patients should choose easily digestible foods in their daily diet and avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods. Maintaining adequate fluid intake helps alleviate symptoms such as dry mouth and thirst.

Generally, side effects of chemotherapy may include gastrointestinal reactions, hair loss, bone marrow suppression, liver and kidney function damage, and cardiac effects. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal Reactions

Chemotherapy drugs can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, affecting normal intestinal motility and digestive function. Additionally, these drugs may act on the vomiting center, triggering a vomiting reflex. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal distension, diarrhea, or constipation. These symptoms typically appear shortly after chemotherapy and are generally mild in severity. Most patients can find relief through dietary adjustments and the use of antiemetic medications.

2. Hair Loss

While chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells, they also damage normal hair follicle cells, causing the follicles to enter a resting phase. Hair growth stops and eventually hair falls out. However, hair loss is usually temporary, and hair gradually regrows after chemotherapy ends.

3. Bone Marrow Suppression

Chemotherapy drugs may suppress the bone marrow's ability to produce blood cells, potentially decreasing the numbers of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Reduced white blood cell counts can lower immunity, increasing the risk of infection. A decrease in red blood cells may lead to anemia, causing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and palpitations. Platelet reduction can impair blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding, such as skin bruising, nosebleeds, or gum bleeding.

4. Liver and Kidney Function Damage

Most chemotherapy drugs are metabolized by the liver and excreted through the kidneys, placing additional strain on these organs and potentially causing some damage to liver and kidney cells. Liver damage may manifest as fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice, and elevated levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin on liver function tests. Kidney damage may present as abnormal urine output, edema, or back pain, with elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels observed in kidney function tests.

5. Cardiac Effects

Certain chemotherapy drugs exert direct toxic effects on myocardial cells, affecting the normal structure and function of the heart. Patients may experience symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, or chest pain. In severe cases, heart failure may develop, presenting with symptoms like shortness of breath, edema, and fatigue.

Patients should choose easily digestible foods in daily life and avoid spicy, greasy, or irritating foods. Maintaining adequate fluid intake helps alleviate symptoms such as dry mouth. Patients should also avoid excessive fatigue, ensure sufficient rest, and promote physical recovery.

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