Nausea From Cancer Treatment

Nausea from cancer treatment, a common side effect, does not usually indicate a problem in and of itself; nevertheless, you should tell your doctor if you experience it. Today, medicine can go a long way in preventing and treating this unpleasant result of cancer treatment.

Risk factors of nausea

Chemotherapy can often cause nausea. Not all chemotherapy drugs have this effect, so definitely discuss with your physician whether your particular drugs may make you prone to nausea. Women, especially those under the age of fifty, more often tend to experience episodes of chemotherapy-induced nausea. Females who suffered morning sickness while pregnant also tend to have nausea while undergoing chemotherapy. Patients with a history of motion sickness may more likely fall prey to nausea during treatment as well.

How to ease nausea

Most physicians automatically prescribe anti-nausea medications for their patients taking chemotherapy drugs that can cause nausea. You can also help ease nausea on your own by consuming smaller meals and eating only what appeals to you at the time. You need to drink a lot of fluids and to try to avoid unpleasant odors, especially those from food. Some relaxation techniques, such as meditation, can also ease nausea symptoms.

Support

Sometimes nothing helps quite like the advice and support of someone who has experienced what you are going through. Helpful hints from a survivor who has already battled chemotherapy induced nausea can aid you in your ordeal. Loving support from family, friends and former cancer patients can go a long way in helping you both to feel better and to heal.

Nausea, an expected side effect of many chemotherapy drugs, can be controlled. You should notify your physician if you experience nausea so that treatment may begin before it gets too far out of control. Most doctors will prescribe anti-nausea drugs before you start chemotherapy to help as well.