Mimi naomba kujifunza toka kwa waganga humu, je, chemotherapy ina "side effects"? Kama jibu ni ndio, ni zipi?
THE SIDE EFFECTS OF
CHEMOTHERAPY ON THE
BODY
Chemotherapy drugs are powerful enough to kill rapidly growing cancer cells, but they also
can harm perfectly healthy cells, causing side effects throughout the body.
Chemotherapy drugs are powerful enough to kill rapidly growing cancer cells, but they also
can harm perfectly healthy cells, causing side effects throughout the body.
The Side Effects of Chemotherapy on the Body
Cancer cells divide more quickly than healthy cells, and chemotherapy drugs effectively
target those cells. Unfortunately, fast-growing cells that are healthy can be damaged too.
There are many different chemotherapy drugs with the potential for many different side
effects. These effects vary from person to person and from treatment to treatment.
Factors that play a role in side effects include other ongoing treatments, previous health
issues, age, and lifestyle. Some patients experience few side effects while others feel quite
ill. Although most side effects clear up shortly after treatment ends, some may continue
well after chemotherapy has ended, and some may never go away.
Chemotherapy drugs are most likely to affect cells in the digestive tract, hair follicles,
bone marrow, mouth, and reproductive system. However, cells in any part of the body may
be damaged.
Circulatory and Immune Systems
Routine blood count monitoring is a crucial part of chemotherapy.
Thats because the drugs can harm cells in the bone marrow, where
blood is produced. This can result in several problems. Red blood cells
carry oxygen to tissues. Anemia occurs when your body doesnt produce
enough red blood cells, making you feel extremely fatigued. Other
symptoms of anemia include:
lightheadedness
pale skin
difficulty thinking
feeling cold
general weakness
Chemo can lower your white blood cell count, which results in neutropenia. White blood cells
play an important role in the immune system: they help fight infection and ward off
illness. Symptoms arent always obvious, but a low white blood cell count raises the risk of
infection and illness. People with an immune system weakened by chemotherapy must take
precautions to avoid exposure to viruses, bacteria, and other germs.
Cells called platelets help the blood clot. A low platelet count, called thrombocytopenia,
means youre likely to bruise and bleed easily. Symptoms include nosebleeds, blood in vomit
or stools, and heavier-than-normal menstruation.
Some chemo drugs can weaken the heart muscle, resulting in cardiomyopathy, or disturb
the heart rhythm, causing arrhythmia. This can affect the hearts ability to pump blood
effectively. Some chemo drugs can increase the risk of heart attack. These problems are
less likely to occur if your heart is strong and healthy at the start of chemotherapy.
Nervous and Muscular Systems
The central nervous system controls emotions, thought patterns, and
coordination. Chemotherapy drugs may cause problems with memory, or
make it difficult to concentrate or think clearly. This symptom
sometimes is called chemo fog, or chemo brain. This mild cognitive
impairment may go away following treatment, or may linger for years.
Severe cases can add to anxiety and stress.
Some chemo drugs can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the hands and feet
(peripheral neuropathy). Muscles may feel tired, achy, or shaky. Reflexes and small motor
skills may be slowed. Its not unusual to experience problems with balance and coordination.
Digestive System
Some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy involve the
digestive tract. Mouth sores and dry mouth can make it difficult to
chew and swallow. Sores also may form on the tongue, lips, gums, or in
the throat. Mouth sores can make you more susceptible to bleeding and
infection. Many patients complain of a metallic taste in the mouth, or
a yellow or white coating on the tongue. Food may taste unusual or unpleasant.
These powerful drugs can harm cells along the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea is a common
symptom, and may result in bouts of vomiting. However, anti-nausea medications given in
conjunction with chemotherapy drugs can help alleviate this symptom.
Other digestive issues include loose stools or diarrhea. In some people, hard stools and
constipation can be a problem. This may be accompanied by pressure, bloating, and gas.
Take care to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Side effects involving the digestive system can contribute to loss of appetite and feeling
full even though you havent eaten much. Weight loss and general weakness are common.
Despite all this, its important to continue eating healthy foods.
Hair, Skin, and Nails (Integumentary System)
Many chemotherapy drugs affect the hair follicles and can cause hair
loss (alopecia) within a few weeks of the first treatment. Hair loss can
occur on the head, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body. As troubling as it
can be, hair loss is temporary. New hair growth usually begins several
weeks after the final treatment.
Some patients experience minor skin irritations like dryness, itchiness, and rash. You may
develop sensitivity to the sun, making it easier to burn. Your doctor can recommend topical
ointments to soothe irritated skin.
Fingernails and toenails may turn brown or yellow, and become ridged or brittle. Nail
growth may slow down, and nails may crack or break easily. In severe cases, they can
actually separate from the nail bed. Its important to take good care of your nails to avoid
infection.
Sexual and Reproductive System
Chemotherapy drugs can have an effect on your hormones. In women,
hormonal changes can bring on hot flashes, irregular periods, or
sudden onset of menopause. They may become temporarily or
permanently infertile. Women on chemotherapy may experience
dryness of vaginal tissues that can make intercourse uncomfortable or
painful. The chance of developing vaginal infections is increased. Chemotherapy drugs
given during pregnancy can cause birth defects. In men, some chemo drugs can harm
sperm or lower sperm count, and temporary or permanent infertility is possible.
Symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and hormonal fluctuations may interfere with sex drive in
both men and women. So can worrying about loss of hair and other changes in appearance.
However, many people on chemotherapy continue to enjoy an intimate relationship and an
active sex life.
Kidneys and Bladder (Excretory System)
The kidneys work to excrete the powerful chemotherapy drugs as they
move through your body. In the process, some kidney and bladder cells
can become irritated or damaged. Symptoms of kidney damage include
decreased urination, swelling of the hands and feet (edema), and
headache. Symptoms of bladder irritation include a feeling of burning
when urinating and increased urinary frequency.
Youll be advised to drink plenty of fluids to flush the medication from your system and to
keep your system functioning properly. Note: Some medications cause urine to turn red or
orange for a few days. This isnt cause for concern.
Skeletal System
Most peopleand especially womenlose some bone mass as they age.
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause calcium levels to drop and
contribute to bone loss. This can lead to cancer-related osteoporosis,
especially in post-menopausal women and those whose menopause was
brought on suddenly due to chemotherapy.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), women who have been treated for
breast cancer are at increased risk for osteoporosis and bone fracture. This is due to the
combination of the drugs and the drop in estrogen levels. Osteoporosis increases the risk of
bone fractures and breaks. The most common areas of the body to suffer breaks are the
spine and pelvis, hips, and wrists.
Psychological and Emotional Toll
Living with cancer and dealing with chemotherapy can exact an
emotional toll. You may feel fearful, stressed, or anxious about your
appearance and your health. Some people may suffer from depression.
Juggling work, financial, and family responsibilities while undergoing
cancer treatment can become overwhelming.
Many cancer patents turn to complementary therapies like massage and meditation for
relaxation and relief. If you have trouble coping, mention it to your doctor. They may be
able to suggest a local cancer support group where you can speak with others who are
undergoing cancer treatment. If feelings of depression persist, professional counseling
may be necessary.
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Anxiety and
Depression
Swollen Hands and
Feet
Chemo's Long-Term Effect
on Bones
Chemo in the
Kidneys
Chemo Effect on
the Bladder
Chemotherapy and
Fertility
Fast-Tracked
Menopause
Fingernail and Toenail
Trouble
Sexual
Dysfunction
Balding:
The Signature Side
Effect Skin in Need of
Soothing
Digestive
Distress Loss of
Appetite
Mouth Sores
Chemotherapy and the
Heart
Chemo
Brain
Muscles and Motor
Skills
Chemotherapy in
the Blood
Nausea and
Vomiting