Side effects and Management Flashcards
what can mucositis be caused by
chemo
RT
targeted therapy
immunotherapy
what is a common infection in the mouth
thrush
what can thrush cause
unpleasant eating and changes how things taste
how to keep mouth healthy with drinks
drink plenty of fluids, especially water
ice cubes can help soothe the mouth
avoid fizzy drinks
try milk or milk based drinks
cold drinks can be soothing
extreme temp drinks can irritate the mouth
drink through a straw
how to keep mouth healthy with food
avoid salty or spicy food
avoid rough textures
keep food moist by sauces and gravies
cold foods can soothe mouth
pain medication before meals
salt water mouthwashes
reduce soreness
toothbrush advice
use a soft toothbrush, avoid toothpicks, flossing can cause gums to bleed if you have a low platelets
tips for coping with difficulties swallowing or chewing
take pain killers 30 minutes before eating
choose easy foods which you can swallow
soften foods with sauces/gravy
finely chop meat and veg cook for a long time
cut crusts off
blend food
food supplement drinks
what to do when too tired to cook
use connivence foods, frozen foods, tinned foods
plan ahead, prepare food when less tired
ask family and friends to help
have a nourishing drink, smoothies
supplement drinks
eat smaller meals more often
what to do if you have constipation
eat plenty of fibre
drink plenty of fluids
try a natural remedy for constipation
gentle exercise
laxatives
what to do if you have diarrhoea
drink at least 2 litres of water
avoid alcohol and coffee
eat small meals regularly
eat meals slowly
eat less fibre
avoid greasy food
what to do if you are feeling sick
anti-emetic drugs
eat dry foods
avoid fried and greasy foods
sit by a window whilst eating
food and drinks which contain ginger
sipping fizzy drinks can help
drink between meals
empty bowels regularly
what to do if you have lost your appetite
eat small meals regularly
snacks
eat meals slowly
steroids with appetite
try and eat healthy foods
when does SE normally begin
2 weeks in
when do patients start noticing improvements
6-8 weeks after RT
how can you manage side effects
avoid smoking
avoid alcohol
eat healthily
drink plenty of fluids
doing exercises to prevent jaw and shoulder stiffness helps with swallow
try to keep active
how to look after their skin
wash gently with soap and lukewarm water
pat gently
avoid wet shaving
wear loose clothing
cover up when in direct sunlight
when should you see your dentist
after treatment you should see your dentist every 3-6 months
how to deal with a dry mouth
sip water regularly
eat soft, moist foods
artificial saliva
humidifier
what can help with thick and sticky saliva
a nebuliser which can loosen the saliva
rinsing mouth regularly
rinse with a weak salt solution
late effects of RT
dry mouth
higher risk of tooth decay
difficulty swallowing
stiffness in jaw, neck or shoulders
swelling in the head and neck
how to relieve dryness
ice lollies
avoid food and drinks that can irritate a dry mouth
humidifier
advice on toothpastes
take sips of water before taking a bite of food
add moisture and fat to make dry foods easier to eat
rub olive oil onto gums
artificial saliva
what are the SE for brain tumours
fatigue
hair loss
headaches
skin irritation
feeling sick
seizures
fertility
