How can I bring relief to someone who vomits during chemotherapy?
My father is receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer. After each series of medications, he vomits a lot and refuses to eat. How can we help him? ~ max
Nausea and vomiting are among the most common side effects of chemotherapy. Their cause is irritation by cytostatics of the emetic center in the brain and / or gastric mucosa. These ailments can usually be stopped or at least alleviated. There are a number of antiemetic medications that your treating physician may prescribe. In the chemical treatment of lung cancer, cytostatics with high emetogenic potential (significant nausea and vomiting) are often used, in this situation the use of well-chosen antiemetics is extremely important. The treatment of choice should be ondansetron in combination with a steroid, often supplemented with other preparations. You can also prevent nausea and vomiting by reducing the volume of meals you eat in favor of their frequency. Do not drink fluids while eating – you should drink at least one hour before or one hour after a meal – preferably cool, unsweetened fruit juices. Eat slowly, chewing each bite carefully. Do not rest lying down for at least two hours after a meal! Fat and fried foods, sweets and carbonated drinks should be eliminated from the diet. Food at room temperature is recommended – then the smell is less noticeable. Other irritating odors should also be avoided. To ease the gag reflex, you can eat sauerkraut or cucumbers, and suck on mints or ice cubes. Morning vomiting is effectively prevented by dry cereal products (e.g. crackers), eaten before getting out of bed.
Also read: Chemotherapy does not have to bring you to your knees
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