Self-care practices in taste and smell alteration among patients on chemotherapy
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Self-care practices in taste and smell alteration among patients on chemotherapy
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:
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Anooja Antony and Sheela Pavithran
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Self-care practices in taste and smell alteration among patients on chemotherapy
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr202114-22339
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
The study conducted by Anooja Antony and Sheela Pavithran explores the self-care practices adopted by patients undergoing chemotherapy, specifically focusing on alterations in taste and smell—a common side effect of treatment. With a significant percentage of cancer patients experiencing these alterations, the research sought to identify various self-initiated coping strategies to manage these symptoms. Through data collection from 100 patients at a cancer institute in Kerala, the study highlights the importance of addressing taste and smell changes, emphasizing individualized approaches to self-care.
2) Effective Self-Care Practices in Chemotherapy
One of the most impactful findings of the study is that 71% of patients reported nibbling on moist fruits, such as berries or lemon, to effectively reduce the metallic taste induced by chemotherapy. This practice was considered highly beneficial by many patients. Besides, avoidance of strong-smelling foods (65%) and stepping away from food preparation areas (43%) were also common and helpful strategies. These self-care practices illustrate the importance of tailoring interventions to individual needs to enhance the quality of life for patients dealing with chemotherapy side effects.
3) The Importance of Oral and Dietary Hygiene
The study also highlighted the role of oral hygiene practices, with 95% of respondents brushing their teeth before meals. Despite its frequency, this practice did not yield significant improvement in taste alterations for most respondents. Moreover, while 41% attempted to drink more water with meals to mitigate bad tastes, this strategy was similarly unhelpful. The data suggest that while some self-care practices are widely employed, there remains a need for patients to explore additional or alternative strategies to enhance effectiveness.
4) The Role of Professional Support and Education
Another critical takeaway is the need for improved communication between healthcare providers and patients regarding taste and smell alterations during chemotherapy. Many patients did not feel comfortable discussing these changes, often viewing them as unmanageable side effects of treatment. The study emphasizes that nurses play a pivotal role in educating patients about these alterations, facilitating discussions on self-care management, and fostering an environment where patients can articulate their challenges and preferences.
5) Conclusion
In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of self-care practices among patients undergoing chemotherapy, particularly in managing alterations in taste and smell. It points out that while patients have developed various coping mechanisms, there is a substantial opportunity for healthcare professionals to guide them through effective self-management strategies. The research advocates for further studies focused on individualized self-care interventions, suggesting that continuous education and support from healthcare providers, including family involvement, are crucial in improving patient outcomes and quality of life during chemotherapy.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study?
The study investigates self-care practices among chemotherapy patients to manage taste and smell alterations, a significant issue affecting their quality of life.
What percentage of patients found nibbling on fruits helpful?
Seventy-one percent of patients reported that nibbling on moist fruits, like berries or lemon, significantly helped reduce their metallic taste after chemotherapy.
What self-care practices were commonly adopted by patients?
Common self-care practices included avoiding strong-smelling foods, eating small frequent meals, and asking family or friends to prepare food, all of which helped alleviate taste and smell issues.
How did the study gather data from participants?
Data were collected through a self-developed questionnaire focusing on socio-demographic details and specific self-care practices related to taste and smell alterations in chemotherapy patients.
What was a key conclusion of the study?
The study highlights the need for individualized self-care strategies in managing taste and smell alterations, emphasizing the importance of communication between patients and healthcare providers.
What did the results reveal about patients' communication with healthcare providers?
Many patients do not discuss taste and smell alterations with healthcare providers, feeling it is part of treatment, thus indicating a need for better communication and education.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Self-care practices in taste and smell alteration among patients on chemotherapy”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Food:
Food plays a central role in the lives of patients undergoing chemotherapy. It is essential not only for nutrition but also for maintaining a sense of normalcy and comfort. Alterations in taste and smell due to chemotherapy can significantly affect food preferences, leading to challenges in dietary intake.
2) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment for cancer that utilizes powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. While effective, it often results in numerous side effects, including alterations in taste and smell. Understanding these effects is crucial for healthcare providers to support patients in managing their nutrition and quality of life.
3) Study (Studying):
The study conducted aimed to analyze self-care practices among patients on chemotherapy to manage taste and smell alterations. Such research is vital as it provides insights into the effectiveness of various strategies adopted by patients, enabling healthcare professionals to offer tailored guidance that enhances patient comfort and coping mechanisms.
4) Cancer:
Cancer represents a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cellular growth. Its treatment often involves chemotherapy, which can induce various side effects, including changes in taste and smell. The emotional and physical toll of cancer necessitates comprehensive care strategies to manage life quality during treatment.
5) Family:
Family support is invaluable for patients undergoing chemotherapy. They often assist patients in meal preparation, providing emotional support, and helping manage the side effects of treatment. Involving family members in educational initiatives can enhance their understanding of the challenges faced by patients, fostering a collaborative care environment.
6) Lemon:
Lemon is often used by patients undergoing chemotherapy to alleviate the metallic taste induced by treatment. The sharp, refreshing taste of lemon, along with its juice, can enhance the flavor of other foods, making it a popular choice among patients looking for relief from alterations in taste.
7) Life:
Quality of life is a crucial consideration for patients undergoing chemotherapy. The side effects of treatment, including taste and smell alterations, can significantly disrupt daily activities and enjoyment of food. Addressing these concerns is essential in promoting overall well-being and helping patients maintain a fulfilling life.
8) Education:
Education about self-care practices is essential in empowering patients to manage the side effects of chemotherapy. Nurses and healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in providing patients with knowledge regarding effective strategies to cope with taste and smell changes, thereby enhancing their autonomy and comfort during treatment.
9) Water:
Water is essential for maintaining hydration and flushing out toxins in patients undergoing chemotherapy. It also plays a role in mitigating dry mouth and bad taste experiences. Encouraging patients to drink enough water is a crucial aspect of care to promote comfort and improve their overall sense of well-being.
10) Salt (Salty):
Salty flavors can be particularly attractive to chemotherapy patients experiencing alterations in taste and smell, yet they can also lead to dietary challenges. Understanding the desire for salt is essential in planning meals and ensuring patients receive adequate nutrition while managing their preferences.
11) Quality:
Quality of life is a vital measurement in healthcare, particularly for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Taste and smell changes can adversely affect a patient's appetite and enjoyment of food, which, in turn, impacts their nutritional intake and overall happiness. Managing these side effects is key to maintaining quality of life.
12) Table:
The dining table is more than just a piece of furniture; it represents social interaction and family bonding during meals. For chemotherapy patients, the table can become a space of discomfort when taste and smell alterations limit their enjoyment of food, potentially isolating them from loved ones.
13) Discussion:
Discussion among healthcare providers, patients, and families about the side effects of chemotherapy is vital. Open communication helps to ensure that patients receive adequate support to manage taste and smell changes, fostering a collaborative environment where individual needs and strategies can be effectively addressed.
14) Amrita (Amrta):
Amrita College of Nursing, where the study was conducted, provides education and training to future nursing professionals. By engaging in research such as the examination of self-care practices among chemotherapy patients, the institution contributes to advancing healthcare practices and improving patient outcomes within the community.
15) Sugar:
Sugar can be a double-edged sword for chemotherapy patients; for some, the sweet taste may be pleasurable amid taste changes, while for others, it might lead to denser food that is less desirable. Understanding individual preferences and cravings for sweetness can inform dietary strategies and meal plans.
16) Drug:
Drugs used in the context of chemotherapy are pivotal in combating cancer but also contribute to various side effects. Recognizing the impact of these drugs on taste and smell helps healthcare providers guide patients in managing the resulting challenges, ensuring improved quality of life.
17) Science (Scientific):
Science is the foundation of modern medicine, providing the methodologies and evidence necessary for understanding patient care and treatment efficacy. Research in the realm of chemotherapy effects, like taste and smell changes, helps to uncover potential strategies for better management and patient support.
18) Disease:
Disease, particularly cancer, represents a significant challenge for individuals and healthcare systems. Managing the side effects associated with disease treatment, especially alterations in taste and smell, is indispensable for enhancing patient quality of life and ensuring they maintain adequate nutrition during therapy.
19) Kerala:
Kerala is the region where the study was conducted, and it is known for its healthcare initiatives. Understanding the self-care practices in local populations receiving chemotherapy can inform region-specific healthcare strategies and enhance patient support systems in diverse cultural contexts.
20) Bitter:
Bitter tastes are commonly experienced by chemotherapy patients, often linked to the metallic taste that arises from treatment. Recognizing and mitigating bitter experiences is critical for encouraging food intake and enhancing overall well-being, prompting patients to explore complementary flavors and self-care practices.
21) Nature:
The nature of chemotherapy's side effects varies widely among patients, with taste and smell changes being highly subjective. Individual differences necessitate personalized approaches to dietary management and self-care strategies, acknowledging that no single solution will work universally for all patients.
22) Campu:
The term 'campus' here refers to the educational environment of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, which facilitates research and learning in nursing. The knowledge generated through research on self-care practices notably informs nursing education and the enhancement of patient care strategies.
23) India:
India, where the research was conducted, has a diverse population with varied dietary habits and health beliefs. Understanding how chemotherapy impacts patients within the Indian context is important in tailoring effective dietary and self-care practices to cater to individual patient needs.
24) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial practices are important for patients with compromised immunity from chemotherapy. Maintaining oral hygiene through antibacterial methods can help prevent infections resulting from changes in taste and mouth sensitivity, allowing patients to manage their symptoms more effectively during treatment.
25) Perception:
Perception plays a significant role in how chemotherapy patients experience taste and smell alterations. Understanding individual perceptions of flavors and aromas can guide tailored self-care strategies that help alleviate discomfort and improve nutrition during treatment.
26) Knowledge:
Knowledge about the side effects of chemotherapy and effective self-management practices is crucial. Educating patients and families fosters an understanding of what to expect and empowers them to adopt strategies that help manage taste and smell alterations for improved quality of life.
27) Craving (Crave, Craved):
The craving for particular tastes can provide comfort for chemotherapy patients experiencing alterations in flavor perception. Addressing these cravings through flexible meal planning can help enhance adherence to nutritional guidelines while ensuring patient satisfaction with their dietary choices.
28) Cutting:
Cutting refers to preparation techniques that may help enhance food appeal for chemotherapy patients experiencing taste changes. Proper food preparation, including cutting and presentation, can make meals more visually appealing and help retain flavors that the patients can still appreciate.
29) Dealing:
Dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy, including taste and smell alterations, requires comprehensive support strategies. Patients need practical advice and encouragement to navigate these changes, reinforcing the importance of healthcare provider involvement in developing coping mechanisms.
30) Candy:
Candy can serve as a quick source of enjoyment and sweetness for chemotherapy patients whose taste perceptions have changed. Due to its sweetness, it may help mask unpleasant tastes and encourage oral intake when patients struggle with food aversions.
31) Straw:
Using a straw can be an adaptive strategy for chemotherapy patients when consuming fluids, providing a different oral sensation that may be more pleasant compared to drinking directly from a cup. This simple adjustment can help enhance hydration and comfort.
32) Diet:
Diet is a crucial component of health management, especially for chemotherapy patients. Adapting dietary practices to accommodate taste and smell alterations ensures that nutritional intake remains sufficient, aiding recovery and enhancing quality of life during treatment.
33) Meat:
Meat can present unique challenges for chemotherapy patients facing taste changes, as flavors may be altered significantly, rendering it less appealing. Understanding individual preferences can guide dietary recommendations and ensure patients receive adequate protein sources during therapy.
34) Pain:
Pain management is frequently necessary in oncology care. Patients may experience oral pain related to taste and smell changes induced by chemotherapy, underscoring the importance of holistic care strategies that address both physical and emotional well-being.
35) Post:
Post-treatment care is essential for optimizing recovery after chemotherapy. Understanding ongoing taste and smell issues is critical as patients transition back to normalcy, guiding necessary support to facilitate effective self-care practices that maintain health and quality of life.
36) Pir:
Peer support among patients undergoing similar chemotherapy treatments can foster a sense of community and shared experiences. Peer connections can provide encouragement and practical insights into managing taste and smell changes, enhancing coping mechanisms through shared knowledge.
37) Mud:
Mood fluctuations are common among chemotherapy patients due to the physical and emotional toll of treatment, including alterations in taste and smell. Healthcare providers should be attuned to these changes, as maintaining a positive mood can significantly influence overall well-being and recovery.
38) Male:
Male patients undergoing chemotherapy may experience unique challenges related to taste and smell alterations. Understanding gender-specific responses can inform tailored support strategies that address the distinct experiences and needs of male patients, enhancing their treatment experience.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Self-care practices in taste and smell alteration among patients on chemotherapy’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Self-care practices, Symptom management, Convenience sampling, Subjective symptom, Oral care, Psychosocial dimension.