Corel Medical Series: Cancer/Corel Medical Series: Cancer.iso/mac/Program/c03.dxr/00042_Field_SRC.C03.C.17.txt

Text File | 1997-01-28 | 1KB | 15 lines

• Problems associated with jaundice can include severe itching and infections in the bile. If the drainage
  procedures described above are not effective, itching will often be relieved by diphenhydramine, dydroxyzine
  or cholestyramine.
• Large doses of narcotics may be needed to relieve pain. Such drugs may have excessive side effects, since they
  are eliminated by the liver, which may not be functioning properly.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be surprisingly effective even against the pain associated with bile
  duct cancer.
• Frequent small meals may be necessary to get enough nutrition since an abdominal mass may reduce the size
  of the stomach.
• Water pills (diuretics) can reduce fluid in the abdomen or legs. They may cause significant imbalance in kidney
  function, however, and can create problems if not carefully monitored and adjusted.
• Nausea will often be relieved by standard medications, including suppositories.
• Loss of appetite may be helped by a drug called megestrol .
• Sleep disturbances are common, but most sleeping pills are broken down by the liver, so they should be used
  carefully.