Doctors can choose any of the treatment methods to cure leukemia. The different factors which decide the type of treatment are:

  • How aggressive the leukemia is, i.e. acute or chronic leukemia.
  • Age of the Patient
  • Past Medical History
  • The specific type of cancer
  • Stage of cancer
  • Diagnostic Test Reports

On the basis of the reports of the above test, the type of treatment for leukemia will be decided, and with the successful leukemia treatment, the cancer cells will get eliminated from the body. But the cancer story is not over yet. There is a possibility that the patient can get to experience side effects after the leukemia treatment. These side effects are mainly caused due to the treatment methods used for the cure of leukemia. To know about the different Leukemia treatment side effects, go through the complete article.

The range of side effects of leukemia treatment varies from person to person and accordingly, the severity of Leukemia Treatment side effects varies. There are different treatment method which is opted by the doctors for the Leukemia treatment like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, etc.

The severity of side effects caused due to the leukemia treatment entirely depends on the drugs used during the treatment, what was dose given for the leukemia treatment, and the length of the treatment. To know in detail about this, read the complete article on the side effects of leukemia treatment.

Side Effects of Leukemia Treatment

Infection

side effects of leukemia treatments

The cause of frequent infections is common if chemo drugs have been used on you during the leukemia treatment. The chemo drugs affect the count of white blood cells in the body. As we all know that the white blood cells are the fighter of the human body. They fight and kills the foreign cells, and with the deficiency of WBCs in the body, the body becomes more prone to catch an infection. So, the best way to remain healthy is to stay in the neat and clean environment and boycott all the things which can bring germs to you. Never forget to consult with the doctor if you face any such issue.

Nausea and Vomiting

The sensation of Nausea and Vomiting can be frequent after the leukemia treatment, but this can be easily handled by taking the right medicines after the doctor’s consultation.

Hair loss

side effects leukemia treatment

Hair Loss is the common side effect after the leukemia treatment and the primary cause observed behind this is Chemo Drugs. The drugs used in chemotherapy weakens the hair follicles because of that there is a quicker hair fall than expected. Again this is not a matter to worry as, after the complete recovery, there is a natural growth of hairs.

Fatigue

Due to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, a dip in the number of red blood cells is noticed, and when there is a deficiency of red blood cells in the body, the patient will feel fatigued all the time. So, to boycott such kind of situation eat healthily.

Diarrhea and Constipation

After the leukemia treatment, there are chances of Diarrhea and Constipation. If you experience any of these, report the doctor and take proper medicines. Also, it is suggested to the patients to drink plenty of water to minimize the chances of Diarrhea and Constipation.

Sore Mouth

Sore mouth is both painful and infectious. After the leukemia treatment, if the patient doesn’t keep its mouth clean, then the possibility of sore mouth is quite common. So, to keep yourself away from a sore mouth, rinse the mouth properly with baking soda and avoid having alcohol and spicy food.

Bleeding

If the count of platelets in the body becomes lower than the normal range, then bleeding is the most probable thing to happen. The work of platelets in the healthy human body is to clot the flowing of blood after any wound or injury. The common problems which the patient with low platelets can face are nosebleeds, blood in the stool or urine, and bleeding gums. So, be very conscious of being injured during this period.

Side Effects of Childhood Leukemia Treatment

After discussing all side effects of leukemia in the children, let’s discuss the sides effects of childhood leukemia treatment. As it is known to all that getting caused by cancer at an early can cause long-term problems for the kids.

The common side effects of childhood leukemia treatment are as follows:

Second Cancers

After getting successfully cured of Leukemia, there is a possibility that some other type of cancer might cause the child. The risk of such a situation is quite high in the case of childhood leukemia.

Fertility Issues

leukemia treatment side effects

Both boys and girls face an issue of fertility after the childhood leukemia treatment. Leukemia treatment also affects the sexual development in both sexes and the ability to have children later in life.

 

Bone Problems

leukemia side effects in adults

The steroids or treatment drugs can result in Bone damage or osteoporosis. The problem of thinning of the bones is called Osteoporosis. Eat a healthy and balanced diet (especially rich in proteins) to eliminate the bone problems. Also, consult with the doctor about your problem.

 

Learning Problems

childhood leukemia treatment side effects

The drugs which are used for the leukemia treatment may affect the brain’s capability of learning things. Take proper guidance and perform mental exercises to deal with such type of problems.

 

Heart and Lung Problems

Certain types of chemotherapy or radiation therapy drugs can cause heart or lung problems. Also, the severity of Heart and Lung Problem is supported by high blood pressure and overweight.

 

Growth and Development

side effects of leukemia treatment

Proper growth and development of a child are also affected by leukemia treatment methods.

These are the primary side effects which the person with leukemia and child with childhood leukemia can suffer. The best way to minimize the side effects after childhood leukemia treatment and leukemia treatment are to have a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and go for regular follow-ups after the treatment.

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