Jump to
How can you care for yourself when you have mucositis from cancer treatment?
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Sit in a few inches of warm water (sitz bath) 3 times a day and after bowel movements. The warm water helps if you have pain and itching around your anus from sores or diarrhea.
- If your doctor prescribed antibiotics or antifungals, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of medicine.
- Eat soft foods such as mashed potatoes and other cooked vegetables, noodles, applesauce, clear broth soups, yogurt, and cottage cheese. You can get extra protein by adding protein powder to milkshakes or breakfast drinks. Avoid eating spicy or crunchy foods.
- Try eating cold foods such as ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- Avoid drinking high-acid juices such as orange, grapefruit, and cranberry juice.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If you have mouth sores, drinking through a straw may help with pain.
Mucositis from cancer treatment: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You can't drink fluids.
- You have new or worse pain.
- You have a fever.
- You have diarrhea.
- You have new or more blood in your stools.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have new or worse symptoms.
- Your diarrhea does not get better, or it happens more often.
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated
The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.