 Overview
Coping
Coping with Nausea and Vomiting:
Radiation treatment may cause nausea (a sensation often leading to the urge to vomit). If nausea occurs, it usually happens from two to six hours after your treatment and lasts about two hours. Nausea may or may not be accompanied by vomiting.
Self-help measures:
- Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. Nausea is often worse if your stomach is empty.
- Eat slowly, chew your food completely and try to stay relaxed.
- Eat foods that are cold or are at room temperature. The smell of hot or warm foods may make you more nauseous.
- Avoid eating foods that are hard to digest such as spicy foods or foods that are high in fat (including rich sauces).
- Rest after eating. If you need to lie down, keep your head elevated about 12 inches above your feet.
- If you feel nauseous when you first wake up, keep a box of crackers on your night stand and eat a few before getting out of bed. Or, try eating a high-protein snack such as lean meat or cheese before going to bed (protein takes longer to digest).
- Instead of drinking beverages with your meals, drink beverages and other fluids between meals.
- Drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day to prevent dehydration. Choose cold beverages such as flat soda or flavored drink mixes. You can also choose ice cubes, popsicles or gelatin.
- Try to eat more food at a time of the day when you feel less nauseous.
- If you have been feeling nauseous, be sure to tell your health care provider before each treatment session.
- Contact your health care provider if your nausea causes vomiting that is persistent or severe (if you can't keep fluids or foods down on a continual basis). Persistent vomiting can cause dehydration and should be treated immediately.
- If your health care provider prescribes an anti-nausea medication for you, take it 1/2 hour to 1 hour before eating.
Food suggestions:
- Ginger ale (flat), apple juice, Coca cola
- Popsicles
- Clear soups or broths
- Chilled foods (avoids cooking odors)
- Ice chips (flavored with Kool-Aid, juice, etc.)
- Soda crackers
- Dry toast
- Salty foods (pretzels)
Should nausea and/or vomiting occur and you are unable to drink ANY type of fluid or eat foods for over a day, contact your doctor or go to the emergency room for evaluation.
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