What should I know and do about diarrhea?

ACS Answer

Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools 3 or more times a day, with or without discomfort. It occurs when the water in the intestine is not reabsorbed back into the body.

Diarrhea can sometimes be caused by an overflow of intestinal liquids around stool that is lodged (impacted) in the intestine. Other causes include bacterial and viral infections; side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the abdomen; medications; surgery; anxiety; supplemental feedings containing large amounts of vitamins, minerals, and sugar; and tumor growth. Diarrhea caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy may continue for up to 3 weeks after treatment.

What to do

• Try a clear liquid diet (water, weak tea, apple juice, clear broth, popsicles, plain gelatin) as soon as diarrhea starts or when you feel that it is going to start
• Eat frequent small meals
• Try small amounts of low-fiber foods, such as rice, bananas, applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, low-fat cottage cheese, and dry toast when the diarrhea starts to improve
• Eat foods that are high in potassium (bananas, potatoes, apricots), which is an important mineral often lost through diarrhea
• If diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days, start a liquid diet and add low-fiber foods as tolerated
• Monitor the amount and frequency of your bowel movements
• Clean the anal area with a mild soap after each bowel movement, rinse well with warm water, and pat dry
• Inspect your anal area for red, scaly, broken skin
• Apply a water-repellent cream, such as A&D ointment, to the anal area
• Try sitz baths (warm baths that soak the pelvic area) to help reduce discomfort
• Take medicine for diarrhea or skin irritation as recommended by your doctor

Do not

• Eat foods that may stimulate or irritate the digestive tract, such as:
  • Whole grain breads and cereals, or products made with bran
  • Fried or greasy foods
  • Nuts
  • Raw fruits or vegetables
  • Rich pastries, candy, or jellies
  • Strong spices and herbs
  • Caffeinated, alcoholic, or carbonated beverages
  • Milk and milk products, such as creamed soups, puddings, and milkshakes
  • Very hot or very cold foods
• Use tobacco products
• Drink only clear liquids for more than 2 days in a row without a doctor's supervision

Call the doctor about any of the following symptoms

• Six or more loose bowel movements per day, with no improvement in 2 days
• Blood in or around anal area or in stool
• Weight loss of 5 pounds or more after the diarrhea starts
• New abdominal cramps or pain lasting 2 or more days
• Inability to urinate for 12 or more hours
• Refusal to drink any liquids for more than 2 days
• Fever
• Suddenly puffy or bloated abdomen
• Constipation for several days accompanied by a small amount of diarrhea or oozing of fecal material, suggesting fecal impaction

Related Resources

Get more information about nutrition for the cancer patient.

Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.

Recommended Consultation

You should consider discussing this topic with your doctor or health care team.

	Printer-Friendly Page
	Email this Page