The side effects of chemotherapy depend upon the kind of drugs that are prescribed and the way the drug is administered. Children have almost the same reaction to the drugs as suffered by adults. However, since chemotherapy drugs are more effective when induced into the veins, children show a lot of fear while the medicine is intravenously induced into them. Chemotherapy in children is therefore more painful.

The method of treatment might vary depending upon the severity of cancer, the drugs chosen for chemotherapy and the time taken. Pills or liquid medicines are not very effective methods of treatment. The chemotherapy drug must be given intravenously and this applies to most of the drugs. The most common side effects found in kids during the chemotherapy intravenous process are bruising, pain, and fear of needles. There is also a risk of infections if the needle is not inserted properly.

Primary Effects of Chemotherapy Drugs in Children

As mentioned earlier, children show similar reactions and side effects as shown by adults during chemotherapy. Chemotherapy side effects relief can be attained through different drugs suggested by a doctor. The common side effects include muscle pain, fatigue - which could be moderate to severe, hair loss, stomach pain, nausea, and skin sensitivity, formation of sores on the skin and in the mouth, digestive problems, and the risk of infections. Chemotherapy hair loss is the most common side effect of chemotherapy. The side effects arise because the healthy cells are damaged in the process of killing the cancer cells which multiply at a very fast pace. Although chemotherapy drugs kill the cancer cells, they are not smart weapons as they attack the normal healthy cells in the body as well. A person’s immune system is also damaged because the drugs attack many white blood cells. A child must therefore rest as much as possible and do not get prone to injuries. The patient should also remain well hydrated.

Long Term Effects of Chemotherapy in kids

Because the body of a child is at a developing stage, chemotherapy drugs might have an adverse effect on children than adults. The ill effects of chemotherapy take a heavier toll on small kids. The healthy cells killed by chemotherapy drugs are not easily replaced in a child’s body compared to a strong adult. In some cases, it might also lead to permanent damage. Chemotherapy treatment might also stop growth in children or might cause damage to the internal organs. It could also cause delay in a child’s mental development if the brain cells are damaged hugely. A child might also face reproductive problems later in life if the reproductive organs get damaged. All the above-mentioned risks and its severity depend upon the stage of the cancer, the drugs that have been prescribed, the dose of the drugs and the child’s body. It is advisable that parents talk about all the above aspects to the child’s physician to make sure that the child becomes completely healthy and lead a normal life after chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy side effects can be reduced largely these days as science has shown many improvements. In addition, if there are any side effects during the treatment, doctors do prescribe some other drugs to overcome them.