What is the connection between chemotherapy and infection?
The connection between chemotherapy and infection concerns bone marrow health. Treatment of chemical cancer could suppress the functioning of white blood cells in the bone marrow, making it difficult to fight infection. Chemotherapy and the risk of infection could be solved, albeit antimicrobial drugs to prevent infection and medicines to stabilize the number of white blood cells. Doctors usually teach patients to avoid the risk of infection in the treatment of chemotherapy.
The number of white blood cells tends to reduce a week to 10 days after chemotherapy, especially after the first round of treatment. Symptoms of chemotherapy and infection could pose serious risks if the number of white blood cells is dangerously reduced. Infections may delay further treatment of cancer or require lower chemo doses.
The human body produces five types of white blood cells to regulate the functioning of the immune system. Chemotherapy and the risk of infection depend on several factors, including how white cell lckets fall, how long remains low and affected the type of white blood cells. The type of chemotherapy used may also affect whether infection develops. The infection usually occurs in the mouth, in the intestines, the genital tract or on the skin surface.
Red blood cells carrying oxygen throughout the body can also be damaged by chemotherapy. Some patients of bruises easily or bleeding through the nose or mouth when the number of red blood cells is calculated. Blood in the urine and dark fever, along with a red rash on the skin, may also indicate a low number of red blood cells.
Infection represents only one of the possible side effects of cancer treatment. Common complaints include nausea and vomiting and loss of appetite that could lead to weight loss. Patients could become anemic or suffer from diarrhea or constipation. Symptoms of suppressed bone marrow function including fatigue, rapid heart rhythm and shortness of breath.
In patients with cancer, even a mild fever could signal infection.Symptoms could resemble flu with chills, body pain, sweat and pain. If respiratory infections develop, patients could spit green or yellow sputum. Skin infection may seem red and swollen and will feel hot when touched.
doctors commonly recommend frequent hand washing to solve chemotherapy and treatment of infection. Avoiding large crowds and sick family and friends can also help reduce risk, especially during the flu season. Slices should be cleaned and covered to prevent bacterial infection. The meat should be thoroughly cooked to protect from gastrointestinal infection. If infections develop, doctors normally prescribe antibiotics.