Take care!
Do you get sick sometimes? Some patients undergoing cancer treatment do. Vomiting can be caused by the anticancer treatment, medication or the tumor itself. It may happen right after treatment or even up to 3- 4 days later.
Vomiting may also occur even when your stomach is empty, resulting in dry heaving. This is unpleasant and painful, it keeps patients from eating enough and prevents sufficient absorption of nutrients. So, take care.
Here are 8 recommendations to control vomiting:
Since your stomach can’t stand food or drink, you will lose a lot of fluids. Nonetheless, try to drink enough to avoid further loss of electrolytes. In case of dehydration, isotonic drinks or rehydration solutions containing electrolytes are recommended.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t constrict your abdominal area.
- After vomiting, rinse out your mouth.
- Once vomiting stops, try sipping small amounts of clear liquids like water or bouillon. Make sure to sit upright after eating and drinking.
- As soon as you can drink clear liquids without throwing up again, try drinks that are easy for your stomach to handle, such as chamomile, fennel and ginger teas. If you can tolerate them, mild fruit and vegetable juices help add some calories.
- Start adding solid food when you feel better. Crackers are easy to digest.
- Try eating smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large meals.
- Try to prevent nausea to reduce the risk of vomiting.
- Ask your doctor to prescribe medicine to prevent vomiting if it affects your nutritional status too much and you are facing dehydration. Also, consult your doctor if vomiting lasts longer than one or two days.
