Chemotherapy is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for cancer. Usually given as an infusion into a vein or, in some cases, as a pill, chemo uses combinations of cancer-fighting medications to target and destroy cancer cells in the body.
Though chemotherapy is effective against many different types of cancer, it may also cause a wide range of side effects. While some are well known — nausea and hair loss, for instance — some patients also experience gastrointestinal issues like stomach bloating and discomfort — sometimes called “chemo belly.”
“While not a medical term, ‘chemo belly’ is a phrase used by patients to describe chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity,” says Pankaj Vashi M.D., A.G.A.F., F.A.S.P.E.N., a gastroenterologist and director of nutrition at City of Hope® Cancer Center Chicago. “The most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite and abdominal bloating.”
In this article, Dr. Vashi covers the basics on chemo belly, including how to manage this side effect, such as:
- What is chemo belly?
- What causes it?
- How long does it take for chemo belly to go away?
- How to get rid of chemo belly
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and would like to schedule an appointment or get a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-460-4673.
What Is Chemo Belly?
Chemo belly is a term that refers to certain gastrointestinal (GI) side effects from chemotherapy. Although not every patient experiences GI side effects, some people have issues with:
- Stomach bloating or pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth ulcers
“Which symptoms a patient experiences depends on which chemotherapeutic drugs are being used,” says Dr. Vashi. “Some drugs, like taxanes for instance, cause more nausea and vomiting, while others like irinotecan can cause profuse diarrhea.”
What Causes It?
About 40% of patients receiving standard dose chemo experience chemo belly or other gastrointestinal side effects. For those undergoing high-dose chemotherapy, these rates rise to anywhere between 60% and 100%.
But what causes chemo belly? Dr. Vashi explains some of the factors that may lead to problems like stomach bloating.
“One issue is the damage done by these toxic drugs to the lining of the digestive system,” he says, adding that chemo may also cause changes to appetite or loss of taste.
“Another very important reason for bloating and diarrhea is the impact of chemotherapy drugs on the normal healthy bacteria of your digestive tract.”
Some of the symptoms of chemo belly may be managed through dietary changes and medication.
How Long Does It Take for Chemo Belly to Go Away?
How long it takes chemo belly symptoms to resolve after cancer treatment depends on a variety of factors, including:
- What type of gastrointestinal symptoms a patient experiences
- What type and stage of cancer a patient has
- A patient’s overall health and ability to manage symptoms
However, studies have shown that chemo belly issues like stomach bloating may last on average for about a year and a half after treatment has ended. Some patients experience symptoms of chemo belly for even longer, however, others may see GI issues resolve quickly after they complete their chemo treatments.
How to Get Rid of Chemo Belly
Although chemo belly may last for some time, cancer experts like Dr. Vashi are highly experienced at helping patients manage GI symptoms caused by chemotherapy.
“Being proactive in treating symptoms is vital,” he says. “Anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medications should be started as soon as symptoms appear.”
Probiotic foods like yogurt, some dried fruits and fermented products may also help alleviate gas or bloating by replacing the “good” gut bacteria that chemo drugs may remove or destroy.
Other simple tips for reducing bloating and gas include:
- Reducing how much air you take in while eating, for instance, by eating slowly and avoiding fizzy drinks and straws when drinking
- Eating smaller portions
- Helping digestion by taking a walk after a meal, drinking herbal teas after eating and trying to relax
- Cutting out alcohol and not smoking
According to Dr. Vashi, most patients also benefit from working with a dietitian or nutritionist.
“Diet is very crucial, especially for minimizing weight loss,” he says. “Appetite stimulants are routinely used by most clinicians and natural products like zinc, vitamins and supplements can also help with symptoms.”
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and would like to schedule an appointment or get a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-460-4673.