Nausea & Vomiting
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Nausea is the feeling of an upset stomach which may or may not be associated with vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are usually short-term symptoms experienced during the first week after receiving chemotherapy This is called chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, or CINV.
Your physician will order medications to control CINV and other forms of cancer-related nausea. You should take the medications as ordered as soon as you feel nauseated. If these suggestions do not control your nausea and vomiting (the medication does not stop the nausea after 48 hours, or vomiting lasts more than 24 hours), please contact your healthcare provider.
What Can I Do To Control Nausea and Vomiting?
- Drink cool or room temperature liquids between meals such as: Gatorade, lemonade, cola, a Popsicle, tea, 7-Up, cranberry juice, apple juice, ginger ale.
- Eat bland foods, either cold or at room temperature, such as: dairy products (if not lactose intolerant), cottage cheese, yogurt, cereal, watermelon, crackers, toast, mashed potatoes, cantaloupe, and sherbet.
- Frequently eat small meals in a quiet, relaxed setting.
- Brush your teeth before and after each meal.
- Frequently rinse your mouth with cool water, mint flavored water or a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a glass of water.
- Do not eat fried, spicy or rich foods.
- Do not cook or eat foods with strong aromas.
Additional Suggestions
- Use a Sea Band, a wristband that helps control nausea or an ear patch.
- A ginger root capsule taken by mouth may also help control nausea.
- Herbal teas – particularly calli, mint, ginger root or comfrey – may also help control nausea.
- Try fresh air and loose clothing.
- Dry or salty foods may help.
- Wear loose fitting clothes.
This information is not 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.