Chemo-Related Diarrhea: How to Care for Your Child

Diarrhea is a common side effect of some chemotherapy medicines. It can happen right after chemotherapy or a few days later. Kids can lose a lot of fluids when they have diarrhea. Drinking plenty of liquids helps to replace what they've lost so they don't get dehydrated. You can do things at home to help make your child more comfortable.

• Do not give your child medicine or herbs to stop diarrhea unless the doctor says it's OK.

• Have soft toilet paper or flushable, alcohol-free wipes for your child to use after bowel movements.

• Make sure your child gently washes and dries the anal area with a mild soap at least once a day.

• Applying a fragrance-free cream after cleaning and gently drying the anal area can help soothe and protect the area.

• Foods:

  • Offer small, frequent meals each day.

  • Offer your child easy-to-digest foods like rice, bananas, applesauce, toast, gelatin, plain skinless baked chicken, boiled potatoes without the skin, crackers, and Cream of Wheat® cereal.

  • Avoid fried, greasy, fatty, or spicy foods. Follow the doctor's advice for any other foods to avoid.

  • Offer your child plenty of water, broth, sports drinks, and other caffeine-free fluids. Avoid fruit juices and caffeinated drinks. Avoid milk if it seems to make your child's diarrhea worse. If you give your child carbonated drinks, let them lose their fizz before serving them.

  • Avoid sweets, including sugar-free gums and sugar-free candies.

• When caring for your child: 

  • Wear disposable gloves when cleaning up diarrhea or other body fluids, like pee or vomit. Be careful not to get these fluids on yourself. Wash your hands after removing the gloves. This helps protect you from chemotherapy drugs that may be in the body fluids.

  • Wear disposable gloves when handling any clothes or linens that have diarrhea or other body fluids on them. Put clothes and linens in a plastic bag until they can be washed, then wash them separately from other laundry. Wash your hands after removing and disposing of the gloves.

Your child:

• has diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours or that gets worse

• has diarrhea that makes it hard to sleep at night

• has five or more episodes of diarrhea in a day

• begins having poop accidents

• has black stools, or blood or mucus in the poop

• has belly pain, cramping, or bloating

• has nausea (feels sick to the stomach) or vomiting

• gets constipation (straining during a bowel movement or having a bowel movement only once every few days)

• has pain in the anal area or pain during a bowel movement

• appears dehydrated; signs include dizziness, drowsiness, a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, crying with little or no tears, or peeing less often (or having fewer wet diapers

• has chills

• has a fever above: 

  • 101ºF (38.3ºC) when taken by mouth once, or 100.4ºF (38ºC) when taken by mouth two times at least 1 hour apart

  • 100.4ºF (38ºC) when taken under the arm once, or 100ºF (37.8ºC) when taken under the arm two times at least 1 hour apart

Your child: 

• has trouble breathing

• becomes confused

• has a seizure