Ask the expert

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Feeling of nausea and vomiting

Question

Why do I feel sick?

Answer

Nausea and/or vomiting can occur due to the cancer itself or its related treatments, especially chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy drugs are worse offenders than others are. Delayed nausea and vomiting can occur after cisplatin, carboplatin, and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy. Most cancer treatment regimens now have a prescription for anti-sickness medications (anti-emetics) to be given before, during or after treatment in an attempt to try to control nausea and vomiting before it starts. By eating foods and drinking fluids cold or at room temperature could help to reduce the feeling of nausea and vomiting since they do not smell like those from hot foods and drinks. Try getting some fresh air before eating or if you cannot go outside open the window. Keep the kitchen door closed whilst cooking is under way. You should try to eat light, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day. The mouth should be rinsed often, especially before and after meals. Foods that are spicy, greasy, or have strong tastes or odours should be avoided. Drinking clear cold liquids and taking ginger containing foods or fluids such as ginger ale, ginger tea, ginger biscuits may also help. Food intake should be avoided 1 to 2 hours before cancer treatment.

Source: Nutrition in cancer Editorial Board