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tips for managing nausea and vomiting
Cancer or its treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, may cause nausea, vomiting and changes in appetite. Antibiotics, pain medicines, high levels of stress and anxiety can also contribute to nausea and vomiting. Many cancer patients also have changes in smell and taste following these treatments.
When it comes to dealing with nausea and vomiting there is no easy solution but making a few lifestyle changes or keeping a record of your illness can help you identify and cope with the sources of illness:
- Keep a Record
Monitor or journal what causes your nausea and vomiting; if you can identify a pattern, speak with your doctor or nurse. - Stay on Schedule
Take your scheduled anti-nausea medicine, even if you are not feeling nauseous at the time. Take your "as needed" medications at the first sign of nausea. - Ask Questions
Discuss your anti-nausea medicines with your doctor or nurse if they are not working for you. There are many different kinds of anti-nausea medicines that can help. - Change Your Eating Habits
Instead of 3 big meals a day, eat 4 or 5 small, high-calorie, high-protein meals per day. Try to avoid sweet, fatty, spicy or strong-smelling foods as these may upset your stomach. Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to ensure easier digestion. Foods that are well-tolerated by a nauseous person include:
- Crackers, melba toast, soda crackers, salty foods
- Cold drinks or foods, or those served at room temperature
- Bland foods like mashed potatoes, apple sauce, rice, bananas, or Jell-O
- Drink Water
Drink 8-10 cups of fluid per day to prevent dehydration, which can make an upset stomach feel worse. - Distract Yourself
If you start to feel sick try to shift your focus by distracting yourself with some music, a television show, or some games. Meditation can also help you relax. - Explore Complementary Therapies
A complementary therapy like acupressure and acupuncture may help you cope with your nausea and vomiting. As always, discuss these treatments with your doctor before trying them.
If, despite all efforts, you are experiencing persistent nausea and/or vomiting (exceeding 24 hours), are unable to keep food, drinks, or medications down, are experiencing vomit that is bloody, dark, or black in color, or have abdominal pain please contact your doctor or nurse right away.
Source: The Johns Hopkins Hospital Patient Information "Tips for Managing Nausea and Vomiting"
