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Side effects of the hematopoietic system
Side effects of the hematopoietic system
Coagulation failure
The impact on the bone marrow affects the blood clotting system. Most chemotherapy drugs reduce blood clotting. The reason for this is to reduce the number of platelets in the blood. Their deficiency leads to bleeding and hematoma, which may arise as a result of even minor trauma.
During the chemotherapy doctor performs constant monitoring of these important blood cells, as well as erythrocytes and leukocytes. If their level is considerably lower than normal, you will be assigned special funds to encourage the formation of new platelets, either intravenously wander donor platelets (platelet).
If you have any skin in the small red spots or bruises, the urine became red or pink, the color of stool was black, there was bleeding of the gums, and bleeding from the nose, be sure to tell your doctor as these manifestations indicate severe bleeding disorder .
Anemia and fatigue
Fatigue - one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. It can be both mild and moderate and even severe. The most common cause of fatigue is anemia - a decrease in blood erythrocytes - red blood cells. These cells are involved in the transport of oxygen and nutrients. When chemotherapy drugs have an effect on all cells of rapidly: both cancerous and healthy cells such as the gastrointestinal tract, and bone marrow stem cells. Bone marrow is the blood-forming organs. Therefore, its suppression during chemotherapy leads to the development of anemia. Insufficient supply of oxygen to tissues prevents their effective functioning and can lead to fatigue, which interferes with daily activities.
By means of medication to help cope with this side effect of chemotherapy is epoetin alfa (Procrit ®, Epogen ®). This drug stimulates the division of bone marrow cells, thus accelerating the development and maturation of red blood cells. Accelerated renewal of red blood cells restores impaired energy metabolism.
Epoetin alfa has properties similar to the natural substance erythropoietin, which is formed in the kidneys and stimulates the bone marrow. It should be said that if the patient does not anemia, this tool does not help with fatigue. Moreover, even if anemia is not always the medicines can help.
In addition to medical treatment is necessary and appropriate lifestyle changes. Use more time to rest. If you are running, try to reduce working hours as much as you need it - listen to your body. No matter how strange it seemed, but some exercises may also eliminate fatigue.
It is recommended to delegate your duties. Do not shoulder the entire homework. If you have someone who can help - ask them about it. This may be your children, relatives, friends, maybe.
