FW: Suffering from Nausea & Vomiting Article 1+2 , 15 Apr,01.doc

From: KathFindlay (klfindlay@adhesions.org.uk)
Mon Apr 16 22:22:57 2001


Suffering from Nausea Article 1 15/4/01

Suffering from Nausea Article 1 15/4/01

Nausea, with or without vomiting, is a common side effect of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biological therapy. The disease itself, or other conditions unrelated to your cancer or treatment, also may cause nausea.

Whatever the cause, nausea can keep you from getting enough food and needed nutrients. Here are some ideas that may be helpful:

1 Ask your doctor about medicine to help control nausea and vomiting. These drugs are called ant emetics.

2 Try toast and crackers, yoghurt, sherbet, pretzels, angel food cake, oatmeal, skinned chicken (baked or broiled, not fried), fruits and vegetables that are soft or bland (such as canned peaches), clear liquids (sipped slowly), and ice chips.

3 Avoid fatty, greasy, fried, spicy or hot food with strong odours; and sweets such as candy, cookies, or cake.

4 Eat small amounts often and slowly.

5 Avoid eating in a room that's stuffy, too warm, or has cooking odours that might disagree with you

6 Drink fewer liquids with meals. Drinking liquids can cause a full, bloated feeling.

7 Drink or sip liquids throughout the day, except at mealtimes. Using a straw may help.

8 Drink beverages cool or chilled. Try freezing favourite beverages in ice cube trays.

9 Eat foods at room temperature or cooler; hot foods may add to nausea.

10 Don't force yourself to eat favourite foods when you feel nauseated. This may cause a permanent dislike of those foods.

11 Rest after meals, because activity may slow digestion. It's best to rest sitting up for about an hour after meals.

12 If nausea is a problem in the morning, try eating dry toast or crackers before getting up.

13 Wear loose-fitting clothes.

14 Avoid eating for 1 to 2 hours before treatment if nausea occurs during radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

15 Try to keep track of when your nausea occurs and what causes it (specific foods, events, surroundings). If possible, make appropriate changes in your diet or schedule. Share the information with your doctor or nurse.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you are Vomiting ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article 2 15/4/01

--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vomiting may follow nausea and may be brought on by treatment, food odours, gas in the stomach or bowel, or motion. In some people, certain surroundings, such as the hospital, may cause vomiting.

If vomiting is severe or lasts for more than a few days, contact your doctor.

Very often, if you can control nausea, you can prevent vomiting. At times, though, you may not be able to prevent either nausea or vomiting. You may find some relief by using relaxation exercises or meditation. These usually involve deep rhythmic breathing and quiet concentration and can be done almost anywhere. If vomiting occurs, try these hints to prevent further episodes.

1 Ask your doctor about medicine to control nausea and vomiting (ant emetics).

2 Do not drink or eat until you have the vomiting under control.

3 Once you have controlled vomiting, try small amounts of clear liquids. Begin with 1 teaspoonful every 10 minutes, gradually increase the amount to 1 tablespoonful every 20 minutes, and finally try 2 tablespoonfuls every 30 minutes.

4 When you are able to keep down clear liquids, try a full-liquid diet. Continue taking small amounts as often as you can keep them down. If you feel okay on a full-liquid diet, gradually work up to your regular diet. If you have a hard time digesting milk, you may want to try a soft diet instead of a full-liquid diet. When you feel okay on the soft diet, gradually add more foods to return to your regular diet.


Enter keywords:
Returns per screen: Require all keywords: