Chemo belly is a non medical term that describes a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms which some people may experience during chemotherapy treatment or even after chemotherapy treatment.
The symptoms of chemo belly can include gas, abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea or constipation.
Chemo belly is basically just a collection of side effects that are related to the digestive system that is caused by chemotherapy.
Chemo belly basically just describes how your abdomen can become bloated during or after chemotherapy treatments.
Chemotherapy can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your gut also called microbiomes and affect how your digestive system functions which includes the movement of food and production of enzymes.
Common symptoms of chemo belly include bloating and gas, abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, constipation or a mix of both and a feeling of fullness even after eating a small meal or small amount of food.
Chemotherapy drugs can interfere with the cells which line your digestive tract and affect their ability to function properly.
The good news though is that chemo belly is often temporary and can be managed with dietary changes, medications and by staying hydrated, eating smaller meals and avoiding foods that cause gas.