One of the worst diseases of our time is cancer. Until now, they cannot find a remedy that helps to completely get rid of this ailment. The patient has to go through many procedures to ease his condition and prolong his life. After some of them, we think negative symptoms appear. We’ll talk about one thing now - about the temperature after chemotherapy.
A little bit about the procedure
Chemotherapy is the most effective method of combating malignant tumors. Special drugs are used that destroy the tumor. Before using this method, the patient’s body is carefully examined. The condition of the patient and his reserve capabilities are evaluated. Depending on the type of disease and its stage, the procedure is used to:
The complete destruction of malignant tumors.
Getting rid of affected cells that can go to other organs.
Reducing the process of increasing education.
Reducing the size of the tumor.
Obtaining conditions conducive to the favorable disposal of education by surgery.
Destruction of affected cells remaining in the human body after surgery.
Most often, chemotherapy is used in combination with radiation therapy or surgery. Now you know a little what chemotherapy is. But the patient’s problems do not always end with this procedure.
Side effects
According to the severity of the patient's condition after chemotherapy, the World Health Organization divides the emerging side effects into several classes:
Zero degree - the patient’s condition has not changed, the tests too.
The first is small changes, but they do not affect the general condition of the patient.
The second - the analyzes noticeably change, the condition and activity of the patient have changed too, but moderately. Corrective measures are required.
Third degree. There were sharp violations. Intensive somatic treatment is required. Scheduled chemotherapy sessions are canceled.
Fourth degree. There were side effects of chemotherapy that threaten the patient's life. The procedure should be canceled immediately.
Side effects include:
Damage to the hematopoietic system and gastrointestinal tract.
The appearance of impaired renal function.
Weakened immunity.
Damage to the respiratory and nervous systems.
Hair loss.
The appearance of allergies and dermatitis.
Causes of fever
Chemotherapy negatively affects the bone marrow. In the blood, the level of leukocytes decreases. There is no one to fight the infection. In addition to white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets and hemoglobin are suppressed. All this leads to pancytopenia. Any infection, even the most insignificant, can penetrate the patient’s body without any barriers. In the body, it remains for a long time even after chemotherapy. The immune system is weakening. If you do not start treatment, sepsis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis may develop.
Inflammatory processes that occur in the patient's body contribute to a rise in temperature after chemotherapy. This reaction indicates that the infection continues to develop. During this period, all blood counts are low.
High body temperature for several days suggests that a person can no longer cope with the disease on his own. Additional treatment will be required.
The effect of drugs
Body temperature can also increase under the influence of medications. These include anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used for pain relief, relieving itching and swelling.
Most often, patients with cancer are prescribed strong antitumor drugs. They are the cause of temperature after chemotherapy. Such drugs include: platinum, "Floratsid", "Docetaxel", " Gemcitabine", "Paclitaxel", "Halavelon". In addition to intolerance to these drugs, the patient may develop necrosis, form ulcers on the body and non-healing ulcers.
The use of the above medicines may cause the patient to:
Painful sensation behind the sternum.
Disruption of the intestines and genitourinary system.
Swelling of the ankles and discomfort in the joints and muscles.
Fever and allergies.
If these symptoms appear, you should immediately contact an oncologist.
So is the norm or pathology?
The temperature after chemotherapy is considered normal between 36-37 degrees. The doctor may state that the procedure was postponed normally. If the fever rises to 37.5-38, then we can talk about the appearance of side effects after chemotherapy. The most dangerous temperature is considered to be from 38 to 39 degrees. Such a symptom may indicate agranulocytosis (a complication in which a person needs immediate hospitalization).
An increase in temperature to 41 degrees is a threat not only to the health of the patient, but also to his life. In the presence of jumps in body temperature, we can talk about the development of serious pathologies in the human body:
sepsis;
infectious pneumonia;
kidney disease.
Heat is one of the main signs that indicates the presence of complications after chemotherapy.
If the temperature rises after administration of anti-tumor drugs, consult an oncologist immediately. Sometimes a little delay can cost a life.
How to act
If there is a temperature after chemotherapy, what should I do? This is the question that patients ask themselves and others.
Watch her jumps very carefully.
They began to feel worse (fever, chills) - immediately pick up a thermometer.
No antipyretic drugs without consulting a specialist. Remember: not every medication can have the right effect on health. In addition, the body is trying to warn you about something, and you remove this warning.
Try to limit communication with people suffering from infectious diseases, be less in the cold. Immunity after chemotherapy is weakened, it is easy to catch a cold.
If you feel pain after chemotherapy, consult a doctor immediately. He will adjust the treatment based on your well-being.
- After the procedure, monitor your health. If you experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, visit an oncologist.
Conclusion
Cancer is not a sentence. The disease can and must be fought. After the introduction of anticancer drugs, try to avoid crowded places, watch your diet. Include more protein foods and vitamins in your diet. A lot of positive emotions and the belief that everything will be fine.
If the temperature rises after chemotherapy, do not disregard this fact. Call the attending physician. He will tell you what to do. Remember that your health is up to you.