Constipation is a common problem that can occur as a side effect of some lung cancer treatments or other commonly used medicines. Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements that are hard, dry, and/or not easy to pass. It can cause cramping, stomach pain, bloating, or loss of appetite. Most often, constipation is a short-term, treatable problem.  

Common signs and symptoms of constipation due to lung cancer treatment can include: 

• Irregular or less frequent bowel movements 
• Hard stools 
• Difficulty or straining to pass a stool 
• Bloating, stomach cramping, and/or pain 
• Loss of appetite 

It’s important to contact your healthcare team if you have signs or symptoms of constipation. It’s much easier to treat when it’s addressed early. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious problems, such as a blocked bowel or fecal impaction (dry, hard stool stuck in the rectum). Both can block the digestive process. 

Lung cancer treatments are much more likely to cause constipation than the cancer itself. Common lung cancer treatments and other medicines that can cause constipation include: 

• Chemotherapy  ‍
• Targeted therapy  ‍
• Immunotherapy 
• Opioid/narcotic pain relievers 
• Antidepressants 
• Tranquilizers 
• Muscle relaxants 
• Anti-nausea medications 

Your healthcare team can recommend ways to relieve constipation, including over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medicines such as stool softeners and laxatives. In addition to these treatments, there are things you can do on your own to prevent and manage constipation.

Practical tips:

• Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. 
• Eat high-fiber foods such as whole grain cereals, fruits (especially prunes, figs, and dates), vegetables, nuts, peanut butter, and popcorn. 
• Avoid dairy products and fried foods. 
• Exercise if you can with your healthcare team’s approval, even if it’s just walking around your home. 
• Have a warm drink about 30 to 60 minutes before the time you usually have a bowel movement. 
• Ask your healthcare team for ways to prevent constipation if you are taking pain medication

It’s always a good idea to tell a member of your healthcare team when you notice a side effect from treatment or a symptom that concerns you. Often, these problems can be prevented or eased with help from your healthcare team or through palliative care services. Constipation is a common side effect that is often easily treated. However, it can sometimes cause more serious issues, and there are times when urgent medical care may be needed.  

Call your healthcare team if you have any of the following: 

• Severe stomach pain 
• Fever greater than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit
• Trouble passing gas 
• Nausea or vomiting while constipated 
• No bowel movements for 3 or more days after taking laxatives 
• Swollen or hard-feeling stomach 
• Bloody stool or rectal bleeding