TIPS FOR MANAGING NAUSEA AND VOMITING

• Use foods or beverages that have been helpful in the past for nausea or vomiting.
• Cold or room temperature foods are generally better tolerated than warm or hot foods.
• Clear liquids may be helpful: apple juice, cranberry juice, lemonade, broth, Gatorade, ginger ale, 7-up, popsicles, gelatin, tea. Sip slowly.
• Try bland foods: mashed potatoes, apple sauce, sherbet, crackers, toast, cottage cheese. Eat slowly.
• Try sour foods: lemons, sour pickles, sour hard candy, or lemon sherbet. Rinsing the mouth with lemon juice and water may be helpful.
• Avoid sweet, fatty, highly salted and spicy foods.
• Stay away from foods with strong odors.
• Try eating before or after treatment and see which works best. Eat small amounts frequently rather than a few large meals.
• Karo syrup or honey may be soothing to the stomach.
• Rest in a quiet environment.
• Change of position may be helpful. If nauseated while lying down, try sitting or standing.
• Get enough fresh air. Keep rooms aired out and free of odors.
• Distractions may decrease nausea. Try pleasant music, television, talking with friends, reading, or a hobby.
• Relaxation tapes may be helpful.
• Keep the mouth clean. Rinse after vomiting.
• Medications can be useful in preventing and treating nausea and vomiting. Check with your physician or nurse for medication.