Nausea and vomiting
More than 50% of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy experience nausea. You may also experience nausea or vomiting if you are not receiving chemotherapy.
The possible causes of nausea and vomiting include:
- chemotherapy
- radiotherapy
- drugs for pain or symptom relief
- hypercalcaemia
- cancer in the brain
- cancer in the liver
- bowel obstruction
Inform your doctor about any nausea or vomiting that you experience, so that it can be evaluated and controlled.
Treatment of nausea and vomiting includes:
- anti-nausea drugs, called anti-emetics
- steroids. There is evidence to show that steroids can be useful in controlling nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy treatment.
- bisphosphonates for hypercalcaemia:
Some practical suggestions to help prevent nausea and vomiting are listed. These suggestions are based on the experience of health professionals working with women diagnosed with cancer, and from women themselves.
- Take small meals at frequent intervals.
- Avoid fatty or fried foods.
- Rest before and after eating.
- Don’t lie flat during or after eating.
- Take anti-emetics before meals if nauseated.
- Ensure adequate liquid intake.
- See a dietitian or nurse about dietary advice.
