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Coping with Nausea and Vomiting From Chemotherapy

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Many patients fear that they will have nausea and vomiting while receiving chemotherapy . But, these side effects are less common and often less severe than commonly thought. Effective anti-nausea drugs can prevent or lessen nausea and vomiting in most patients.
It is important that you tell your doctor or nurse if you do have these symptoms, especially if the vomiting lasts more than a day or if you cannot keep liquids down. You may feel sick a few hours after chemotherapy. Some people also have delayed side effects, feeling nauseous and vomiting a few days after treatment. This is still related to treatment, though, so be sure to tell your healthcare team.
Also remember that different drugs work for different people. You may need more than one drug to get relief. Do not give up. Continue to work with your team to find the drug or drugs that work best for you.

Tips for Coping

In addition to taking your medicine, here are some steps that you can take to reduce nausea and vomiting:
  • Food and drink tips:
    • Eat and drink slowly.
    • Drink small amounts throughout the day. Good choices include cool, clear, water, unsweetened fruit juices (eg, apple or grape juice) and light-colored, decaffeinated sodas (eg, ginger ale) that have lost their fizz.
    • Try to eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day, instead of three big meals. Examples of foods that you may be able to tolerate well include: skinless chicken (broiled or baked), cooked cereal (eg, Cream of Wheat, oatmeal), crackers, pretzels, pasta, white rice, and boiled potatoes (without skins).
    • Chew your food well.
    • Avoid sweet, fried, or fatty foods.
    • After you finish a meal, rest. But, do not lie flat for at least two hours after eating.
    • Eat foods cold or at room temperature so you will not be bothered by strong smells.
    • If nausea is a problem in the morning, try eating dry foods (eg, cereal, toast, or crackers).
    • Prepare and freeze meals in advance for days when you do not feel like cooking. You can also ask friends or family to cook meals for you.
  • Other home care tips:
    • In addition to cooking smells, try to avoid other strong odors, like tobacco smoke.
    • Wear comfortable clothes.
    • If you are feeling nauseated, take deep breaths.
    • Try to to get involved in enjoyable activities, like watching your favorite show or talking with friends.
    • Use relaxation techniques, like meditation .

RESOURCES

American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org/

National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

BC Cancer Agency http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/default.htm/

Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca/

References

Coping with nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. Cancer Care website. Available at: http://www.cancercare.org/pdf/booklets/ccc%5Fnausea%5Fand%5Fvomiting.pdf . Accessed June 21, 2012.

Managing chemotherapy side effects. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/chemo-side-effects/nausea. Accessed June 21, 2012.

Nausea and vomiting. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/TreatmentTypes/Chemotherapy/UnderstandingChemotherapyAGuideforPatientsandFamilies/understanding-chemotherapy-common-side-effects-nausea-and-vomiting. Updated March 17, 2011. Accessed June 21, 2012.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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