Chemotherapy is one of the most commonly utilized treatments to address cancer. It is a process that makes use of cytotoxic chemicals to exterminate cancer cells. The chemicals may either be injected or taken orally. Chemotherapy may also be administered by rubbing it on the patient's body. The chemicals used in chemotherapy can be quite powerful and cause various side effects that can be quite damaging.
Infection
Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy are at risk for infection, which is one of the most serious effects of chemotherapy. In fact, according to Peter H. Wiernik, author of Neoplastic Diseases of the Blood, studies have shown that up to 40 percent of patients end up developing infections while undergoing chemotherapy. The reason for the increased vulnerability of chemotherapy patients is that the drugs cannot distinguish between cancerous and normal cells. Thus, even the white blood cells that function to fight off infection are eradicated.
Dehydration
Another potentially deadly side effect of chemotherapy is dehydration or the extreme loss of fluids in the body. Chemotherapy can cause vomiting and diarrhea in patients undergoing treatment. If the expulsion of fluids exceeds the intake, chemotherapy dehydration can occur. What makes dehydration dangerous is it causes the loss of electrolytes like potassium and sodium. Dehydration due to chemotherapy can be life-threatening if it is not addressed through the administration of intravenous fluids.
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which one has lower-than-normal platelet counts. The platelets, also known as thrombocytes, help form blood clots and prevent hemorrhages. Without sufficient amounts of these materials, prolonged bleeding can occur in the event of a cut or bruise. If thrombocytopenia is diagnosed, the patient may have to stop chemotherapy in order to recover. Platelet transfusions may also be performed.
Hemorrhagic Cystitis
Hemorrhagic cystitis is the sudden occurrence of hematuria or blood in the urine. It can happen during or immediately after receiving chemotherapy as treatment. Hemorrhagic cystitis can be caused by certain medications used in chemotherapy, such as Cyclophasphamide and Ifosomide. Hemorrhagic cystitis is a serious condition because it can lead to significant amounts of blood loss and urosepsis or a life-threatening infection in the urinary tract.
Thrombus
Thrombus, another harmful effect of chemotherapy, is a condition in which the blockage of blood flow occurs due to the presence of blood clots. When this happens, it can lead to a variety of critical results. For example, if a thrombus is found in the heart artery, a heart attack can occur. If the blood clot is dislodged and ends up traveling through the bloodstream, an embolus arises. This is also a serious condition because it can block an artery in the lung, which can cause chest pains and shortness of breath.
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