Diarrhea is marked by loose stools and may result from treatment or medications against constipation. Diarrhea can lead to nausea and vomiting, including dehydration.

Measures to prevent and manage diarrhea:

• Avoid milk, dairy products, spicy, fatty, and high-fiber foods.
• Refrain from excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water, juices, and broths to restore salts and electrolytes.
• Use anti-diarrhea medication under medical guidance.
• Immediately inform the doctor if diarrhea is accompanied by severe cramps or pain, fever, dizziness, blood in the stool, or dark-colored urine.

Chemotherapy drugs do not only affect cancer cells, but also normal cells in our body, including hair follicles. Although hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy, it is not caused by all chemotherapy drugs. 

Every patient reacts differently to chemotherapy. Hair loss – including eyebrows and eyelashes – can happen gradually or at once and can be a devastating experience for both men and women. In addition, it is an obvious sign of cancer. Although there is no way to prevent it, we can still be prepared and reduce the associated suffering.

How to manage hair loss

If hair is long and hair loss is anticipated, perhaps a short haircut is initially helpful. Buying a wig which matches our natural hair is also a solution that will look natural. Sometimes wearing scarves and hats is another way to cover up hair loss from treatments. 

Loss of appetite is a common side effect of cancer treatment and can also indicate the presence of cancer. Causes include depression, nausea, taste changes, tumor growth, difficulty swallowing, and pain.

Measures to prevent and manage loss of appetite:

• Eat cool or room temperature foods if sensitive to the odour of cooked food.
• Consume foods that are nutritious, high in calories, protein, and nutrients.
• Consume small, frequent meals throughout the day.
• Avoid drinks during meals to prevent feeling bloated; hydrate between meals.
• Use nutritional supplements if eating becomes challenging.
• Consult a doctor for broad-spectrum painkillers like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen for mouth sores.
• Try appetite-stimulating medications under medical guidance.

Anemia develops when the body’s red blood cell count decreases. Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs throughout the body, sustaining normal energy levels. Lung cancer or its treatment can diminish red blood cell levels, resulting in insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues. Furthermore, chemotherapy can impact red blood cells as they are rapidly dividing cells.

Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, cold extremities, and a fast heartbeat.

To manage anemia, maintain a healthy diet rich in protein and iron, ensure adequate rest, stay hydrated, and promptly report persistent symptoms to your doctor.

White blood cells play a vital role against infections. Chemotherapy can diminish white blood cell counts, suppressing the immune system and increasing the risk of infection. When the immune system is weakened, the body has trouble fighting infections.

 In addition to regular white blood cell count monitoring through blood tests, maintaining good health habits is crucial. This includes frequent hand washing, proper care of skin wounds, maintaining daily hygiene, avoiding contact with sick people, and promptly contacting your doctor in case of high fever or chills.

Nausea and vomiting are frequent treatment side effects, potentially causing loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and dehydration. Chemotherapy, specific types of radiation (e.g., brain radiation), and cancer spreading to the brain or abdomen can trigger such symptoms.

To manage nausea and vomiting:

• Consume natural foods, avoiding greasy, salty, spicy, and strong flavors.
• Avoid lying down for at least two hours after eating.
• Stay hydrated by drinking fluids, especially if experiencing vomiting and dehydration.
• Consult with a doctor regarding medications that can help control nausea and vomiting.

Lung cancer patients often experience shortness of breath, which cause a very unpleasant sensation and a feeling of panic. Dyspnea can occur even when the oxygen levels in the blood are normal.

Causes of shortness of breath include airway blockage, lung diseases like pneumonia, fluid accumulation around the lungs or heart, stress, and radiation pneumonitis.

To prevent and manage shortness of breath:

• Quit smoking and avoid passive smoke exposure.
• Maintain good hygiene.
• Stay hydrated to liquify mucus and aid coughing.
• Engage in gentle exercises to enhance oxygen flow.
• Sleep with the head elevated to ease breathing.
• Practice slow, deep breathing and stress management techniques.
• Discuss options like incentive spirometry or supplemental oxygen with a doctor.
• Learn specific breathing exercises* tailored to improve breathing.

Breathing exercises

Learning a breathing-based technique can help relax and reduce stress and anxiety levels, also combined with physical exercise.

• Sit or stand upright
• Relax your upper chest and shoulders
• Gently place your hands on your lower chest, or your abdomen. If you cough slightly you will feel the diaphragm under your fingers.
• Inhale slowly through the nose. You will feel your chest expand and your belly rise.
• Exhale gently.
• Repeat the exercise, 5 or 6 times.

Some cancer treatments, including radiation and EGFR inhibitor therapy, may cause mild or severe painful skin reaction. 

Skin reaction in lung cancer treatment may include rash, extremely dry skin, nail lesions, and hair abnormalities.

To prevent and manage skin reaction:

• Use gentle soaps and moisturizers on the face and body, even before reactions occur.
• Consult a doctor about using antihistamines to alleviate itching.
• Steroid ointments and antibiotic pills can often reduce rash severity, but seeking medical assistance early is crucial to manage skin reactions effectively and prevent disruption to daily life

Esophagitis is due to inflammation and swelling of the esophagus and is one of the side effects of chest radiation. It often occurs in patients who receive chemotherapy and radiation at the same time, but it can also occur when the treatment involves radiation alone.

To prevent and manage esophagitis:

• Consume soft foods, avoiding sharp and hard foods, like crisps.
• Avoid spicy, acidic foods, and citrus fruits.
• Refrain from alcohol and tobacco use.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
• Consult your doctor for painkillers and mouthwash to reduce discomfort during meals.

Fatigue is an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion that may persist despite adequate sleep or rest, often due to cancer spread or treatment side effects. It can significantly impair daily functions, including basic tasks like hygiene and eating.

Causes of fatigue include stress, sleep disorders **, pain, depression or anxiety, cancer treatment, medications, decreased lung function, anemia, and treatment-related nutrition issues.

Consultation with a doctor is crucial for improving daily life while living with lung cancer.

Measures to prevent and manage fatigue effectively:

• Exercise regularly under medical guidance.
• Conserve energy through early planning and task distribution.
• Seek support for depression, pain, and sleep disturbances.
• Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration, especially protein intake.
• Keep an activity diary to track energy levels and plan activities accordingly.
• Prioritize rest without excessive sleep.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when needed.

** Many lung cancer patients struggle with sleep due to medication side effects, disease symptoms, anxiety, and stress.

• Establish a consistent sleep schedule.
• Avoid technology use before bedtime, as the blue light emitted can disrupt sleep.
• Engage in relaxation techniques like light stretches, calming music, breathing exercises, or reading before sleep.
• Increase daytime exercise if health allows.
• Maintain a comfortable bedroom temperature.
• Avoid caffeine, sugar, and alcohol.
• Write down worries before bed to clear the mind and promote relaxation.