Nausea and vomiting can be caused by chemotherapy or radiation, either through direct irritation to the stomach lining, or by stimulation of the vomiting center in the brain. Anti-nausea medicines called anti-emetics are given before chemotherapy or radiation sessions to help decrease nausea and vomiting.
Chemotherapy agents differ in the amount of nausea and vomiting that they cause. The type and amount of anti-nausea medicine will be based on your plan and the expected reaction. Prior to any treatment, you should discuss the expected effect of the chemotherapy being given and its management with your doctor or nurse. If you do vomit, always make sure to rinse out your mouth afterwards.
Ways to help you decrease nausea and vomiting:
- Eat small meals or snacks
- Eat foods that are easy to digest (crackers, rice, Jello)
- Take sips of cool, clear liquids
- Avoid fried, spicy or very rich foods
- Try to eat in a room that is free from cooking smells or other odors
If you have diarrhea, tell the doctor or nurse the color, amount and number of times it happens in one day. Here are a few ways to help decrease diarrhea:
- Eat a soft, bland diet (crackers, soup, rice)
- Eat small amounts of food more often, instead of large meals
- Avoid spicy, fried or fatty foods
- Avoid juices, milk or milk products (ice cream, cheese)
- Avoid foods that are high in fiber (fruits, vegetables, salad)
- Eat foods high in potassium (bananas, tomatoes, papaya, butternut squash)
- Limit the amount of high-sugar foods (juices, candies)
Causes and signs of dehydration
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration (loss of fluids in the body), especially if you cannot drink enough to replace the fluid that is lost. Some common signs of dehydration include:
- Dry skin or mouth
- No tear production when crying
- Infrequent urination or small amounts of dark-colored urine
How to increase food and fluid intake at home
If you are at home and experiencing vomiting or diarrhea:
- Try to drink small amounts of clear fluids every 30 minutes
- Eat foods that are easy to digest (crackers, rice, toast, soup), and avoid foods with strong odors
- Ask your doctor about medicines to decrease nausea