Nausea and vomiting

Nausea can cause unpleasant sensations in the stomach, cause gagging and lead to vomiting. Vomiting is caused by strong contractions of the stomach muscles, which cause the stomach contents to rise. This may be a consequence of some of the drugs used during chemotherapy, and it usually lasts a few days. The intensity, frequency and time of onset of nausea or vomiting are varied and individual and depend on many factors, such as the drugs used, the dosage and individual susceptibility.

WHAT DO WE RECOMMEND?

Breathe deeply and slowly, and wait for the discomfort to subside before eating anything.

During the meal, it may be useful to leave the window open to let fresh air in or use a fan to reduce odours and enhance a sense of freshness.

It may help to sit or recline with the upper body upright for up to one hour after meals.

  • Especially on days when vomiting is frequent.
  • Drink throughout the day in small sips.
  • Ice cream and jellies can also be a good way to help hydrate.
  • It is preferable not to drink during meals, as this can lead to a sense of fullness or bloating.

  • Choose white meat, lean sausage or white fish.
  • Avoid foods that give off a strong odour, such as cabbage or cauliflower.
  • Avoid cooking that generates more fumes and odours, such as frying, sautéing or grilling at high temperatures. Fried foods not only give off a stronger odour that can be annoying but are also more difficult to digest and may cause more nausea.
  • Use mild cooking techniques to make dishes easier to digest, such as steaming, boiling, low-temperature grilling, en papillote, microwaving or marinating.

Avoid certain sauces, herbs, hot spices, etc., because they may cause nausea.

They may have a soothing effect on nausea. Ginger or mint, either fresh or powdered, can be added to herbal teas, ice cubes, jellies, ice cream or popcorn; sprinkled on top of foods such as bread, salads or pasta; or added to already cooked dishes.

Dry foods are usually better tolerated. They include toast, crackers, breadsticks, rice and corn cakes, nuts, banana chips, dried coconut, etc.

They give off less odour than hot ones, so they may be more palatable or better tolerated: pasta salad, sandwiches, hot or cold soup, home-made ice cream, etc.

  • Try to maintain fluid intake with cool water in small sips every ten to fifteen minutes.
  • Introduce dry foods, since they are better tolerated (bread, toast, crackers, breadsticks, etc.).
  • Try an easily digestible diet (preferably with cooked and soft foods), always use techniques such as steaming or boiling to cook food.
  • If you have been vomiting for two days in a row, contact your referring physician.