Nausea and vomiting are common problems. Medical treatments, medications, anxiety, or the illness itself can cause nausea or vomiting.
- Limit movement when feeling nauseated, queasy, or sick to the stomach.
- Rest and avoid rapid changes in position.
- Take medications to prevent or treat nausea at least 30 minutes before eating or taking other medications.
- Turn the patient to their side to prevent choking with vomiting.
- Slowly sip ginger ale, peppermint or ginger tea, or suck on a peppermint candy if choking is not a risk.
- Drink only clear fluids (drinks you can see through) for at least 24 hours. Some good options are ginger ale, apple juice, Sprite or 7-Up, sports drinks like Gatorade, popsicles, broth, Jello, etc.
- Slowly begin eating small amounts of a BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast (plain).
- Rinse mouth thoroughly after vomiting. Use a watered-down mouthwash or brush teeth if possible.
Avoid:
- Eating sooner than two (2) hours after vomiting
- Heavy or fatty meals
- Lying down after eating
- Drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, soda, or black tea
- Strong smells
Call Your Care Team if:
- Nausea or vomiting is a new symptom.
- Vomiting does not stop even when only drinking clear liquids.
- Vomit is bright red or dark brown (like coffee grounds).
- The patient is having trouble swallowing.
