Managing Nausea and Vomiting in Breast Cancer Patients

What is Nausea and Vomiting?

Nausea is a queasy, uncomfortable feeling in your stomach or a sickening feeling in the back of your throat. Symptoms of nausea may include dizziness, a loss of appetite, sweating, or increased salivation. Vomiting is a forceful emptying of the contents in your stomach and upper digestive tracts through your mouth. It's also referred to as emesis or throwing up. Nausea is a common precursor to vomiting.

What Causes Nausea in Breast Cancer Patients?

Many breast cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, can cause nausea. Chemotherapy medication primarily targets rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, but those aren't the only rapidly dividing cells in your body. Healthy cells in your digestive tract and hair follicles also divide rapidly and may be inadvertently affected by the treatments. Disturbances to the digestive tract can activate the vomiting center in the brain.

Preventing or Reducing Nausea and Vomiting

Manage Your Environment

Refrain from entering places with strong smells. If the strong smells are coming from your kitchen, open the windows, ventilate with a range hood, or use an air purifier to eliminate them. Spend your time in a well-ventilated room with plenty of fresh air.

Stay Hydrated

When nausea leads to vomiting, one may quickly lose fluids and electrolytes so that dehydration sets in. Dehydration weakens the body and slows recovery, so drinking water, beverages with electrolytes, and clear liquids is crucial.

Enjoy Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Eating smaller portions will prevent you from overfilling your stomach and stretching it, which may worsen nausea. Switch to eating 5 to 8 small portions throughout the day instead of three large meals.

Opt for Bland Foods

Bland Foods are often easier on the stomach because they are low in fat, fiber, and spice, and have neutral odors. Foods like bananas, rice, rackers, white bread, noodles, and potatoes are gentle on the stomach.

Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness through focused breathing and meditation may help reduce nausea. Redirecting your focus onto your breathing can help calm your nervous system and distract your mind from physical discomfort.

How Presidio Home Care Can Help

Our Home Care Aides understand the emotional and physical toll breast cancer can have on an individual's health. Not only do they focus on providing cancer patients with healthful, easy-to-eat meals, maintaining clean home environments, and providing hydration reminders, but they also offer companionship and support. Contact Us today to learn more.