February 26, 2020

4 Things You Should Know About Cancer and Dehydration

Why keeping your fluid consumption high is important

Cancer patient on balcony drinking tea

If you’re undergoing cancer treatment, one issue you need to keep at the forefront of your mind is dehydration. Dehydration is an excessive loss of body fluids and occurs when your body’s fluid output exceeds its fluid intake.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

When you’re undergoing cancer treatment, side effects like vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Infections, high fever, bleeding or merely not drinking enough fluids also can lead to dehydration.

Dehydration is a serious condition and can be life-threatening if left untreated. The danger of dehydration is greatest if you live alone, because you may not recognize its signs and effects.

Here are four things cancer care nurse Josette Snyder, BSN, MSN, AOCN, says cancer patients should know about dehydration:

Advertisement

1. Am I dehydrated? Here’s a quick test

You’re dehydrated if you lightly pinch and pull up your skin and it stays standing up in a tent, Snyder says. Other symptoms include:

  • Dry mouth.
  • Loose and crinkled skin.
  • Thick, dry body secretions.
  • Little or no urine output.
  • Dark urine.
  • Headache.
  • Dizziness.

2. Keep track of your fluid intake and output

It’s not easy to tell how much fluid you’re losing unless you measure it. “Rather than measuring the amount of your output, keep track of how many times you’re having diarrhea or vomiting,” Snyder says. “This information will be very helpful when talking to the doctor about dehydration symptoms. It is also important to measure how much fluid you’re taking in. Use a water bottle or cup that contains a set amount of fluid and track how many times you drink it dry.”

3. If you can’t keep fluids down, try ice or little sips of liquids

Sucking on small pieces of ice works can help improve your fluid intake. The downside is that it takes a lot of ice to make an impact. “You also may find that taking small, frequent sips is easier than drinking large amounts at a time,” Snyder says. “Try water, soda, bouillon, juice, or whatever you can tolerate. Avoid alcohol and caffeine because they may increase the effects of dehydration.”

Advertisement

4. Stem the fluid loss when the first signs of dehydration appear

The first step is to manage symptoms that are contributing to dehydration, Snyder says. You should talk with your doctor or nurse for advice about managing these symptoms. The second step is to continue drinking fluids to replace those you’ve lost.

When is it time to call a doctor?

Snyder strongly encourages you to talk with your healthcare professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. But in general, it’s time to call the doctor’s office if you experience:

  • Difficulty keeping fluids down.
  • Uncontrolled symptoms.
  • Fever greater than 100.4o F.
  • Excessive sleepiness.
  • Signs of confusion.

Related Articles

Water being poured into a glass.
November 25, 2022
Why Am I Always Thirsty?

Dehydration, medication and salty foods are often culprits

Person practicing breathing exercises to promote calmness.
August 23, 2022
5 Ways To Care for Your Mental Health During Cholangiocarcinoma Treatment

Thoughts and feelings can change over time; relaxation, self-care and support groups can help

A family playing on the beach during summer.
July 13, 2022
How To Keep Your Kids Safe This Summer

As temperatures increase, so does the need for safety precautions

Friends cheers outside, tapping their cold drinks together.
June 9, 2022
The Risks of Mixing Alcohol and Summer Heat

How to avoid dehydration while having fun in the sun

A dizzy person sits up in bed and braces their head for relief.
June 8, 2022
6 Reasons Why You Wake Up Dizzy

Mornings can be hard enough without feeling dizzy, too

woman pointing to salty tongue
June 1, 2022
What’s Causing That Salty Taste in Your Mouth?

8 reasons salty mouth happens and how to treat it

skin cancer removal at appointment
January 14, 2022
How Skin Cancer Is Found and Removed — At the Same Appointment

Mohs surgery removes most common skin cancers

worried woman alone in hospital room
September 28, 2021
6 Scary Cancer Myths, Debunked

Misconceptions can be worse than reality

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad