Most people describe nausea as feeling queasy or as if they are going to be sick. Some patients will experience nausea and vomiting as side effects of anti-cancer treatments or the illness itself. Ill health, admission to hospital or regular visits for treatment may cause anxiety which in turn can affect how you feel.
Nausea and treatment
If nausea or vomiting does occur as a result of treatment there are medicines and other ways to reduce or prevent these side effects. Drugs used to prevent or control nausea and vomiting are called anti-emetics and can be given as tablets, liquid, suppositories or injections.
When you receive intravenous (IV) chemotherapy you will also be given an anti-emetic injection. This will be followed by a course of tablets which you can take at home. If you are taking drugs by mouth which may cause sickness, you will be given anti-emetic tablets to take during your course of treatment. If you cannot keep tablets down, you can be prescribed suppositories to insert into your rectum (back passage). From there the drug is absorbed into your bloodstream.
During radiotherapy nausea is uncommon and, if it does occur, can usually be controlled by tablets. You must take the tablets regularly to keep blood levels of the drug steady and to get the best effect.
Some anti-emetics have side effects, such as drowsiness or feelings of restlessness. When you start your treatment your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will tell you about any side effects you might expect. They will also explain in detail when and how you should take your anti-emetics and why you should take them regularly. If the anti-emetics you are prescribed aren't effective tell your doctor or nurse and they will change your prescription. Keep a record of your sickness. If you are vomiting and this lasts for more than 24 hours and doesn't improve, contact the hospital or your family doctor. Any unpleasant side effects caused by your anti-emetics, or other treatment you are receiving, should also be reported.
What to do if you feel sick
- If you are feeling sick, do not force yourself to eat
- It's more important to drink plenty of liquid than to have three meals a day
- Try sipping clear, cold fluids, such as water and soft drinks, slowly through a straw
- Lemon, peppermint or ginger teas have a refreshing taste and the last two are traditional herbal remedies that may help to relieve nausea
- Avoid coffee and alcohol as these will dehydrate you
- Sucking ice cubes may help to freshen your mouth and allow you to swallow small amounts of water without overloading your stomach. These can be flavored with cordials and fruit juice
- Some people find sucking a lemon-flavored sweet or a mint reduces nausea.
If you have been vomiting, don't eat or drink for a short while to allow your stomach to settle and then start sipping clear liquids slowly. Gradually increase the amount you drink. Sucking antacid tablets may prevent the acidic burning sensation that follows vomiting.
You may wish to try other techniques for controlling anxiety including relaxation techniques, aromatherapy and acupuncture. Speak to one of the staff caring for you who will be able to help you find out more information.