Diarrhoea
Questions?
- How many days has this occurred for?
- How many times in a 24 hour period?
- Any blood or mucous in stool?
- Has the patient taken any anti-diarrhoeal medication?
- Does the patient have any abdominal pain/ discomfort? For how long? See specific toxicity for pain if applicable.
Patients who are receiving or have received immunotherapy in the previous 12 months are at risk of treatment related colitis and should be managed promptly. Always contact the advice line.
Grade 1 (Green)
None or no change from normal.
Advice
- Patients should monitor their symptoms, and see the diarrhoea self-care advice page for more information.
Grade 2 (Amber)
- Increase of up to 3 bowel movements a day over pre-treatment movements
- Mild increase in ostomy output.
Advice
Contact the Acute Oncology Helpline immediately:
(Mon-Fri 9-5): 07831 147653
Out of hours: 0208 672 1255 ask for the oncology out of hours service
Grade 3 (Red)
- Increase of 4 or more episodes a day over pre-treatment normal or moderate increase in ostomy output.
- Nocturnal or new incontinence.
- Moderate to severe cramping.
- Bloody diarrhoea.
Advice
Contact the Acute Oncology Helpline immediately:
(Mon-Fri 9-5): 07831 147653
Out of hours: 0208 672 1255 ask for the oncology out of hours service
