Nausea & Vomiting Due To Chemotherapy

Key points about nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy

• nausea and vomiting are common problems during chemotherapy cycles
• nausea and vomiting can sometimes last for several days after the chemotherapy treatment stops
• the effects of chemotherapy vary with each child and depend on the dose and type of chemotherapy they receive
• if your child suffers from nausea and vomiting, your child's cancer doctor will give your child medicines called anti-emetics

How do children with cancer respond to chemotherapy?

Nausea and vomiting are common problems during chemotherapy cycles. Nausea and vomiting can sometimes last for several days after the chemotherapy treatment stops.

Anxiety about cancer treatment can make vomiting worse

Some tamariki (children) may become anxious before having chemotherapy and other treatments. This may cause vomiting before chemotherapy starts or may cause the vomiting to last longer after treatment. Some tamariki can become so upset by clinic visits and treatments that even the smell of the clinic or hospital can make them feel ill enough to begin vomiting.

The effects of chemotherapy vary with each child

The effects of chemotherapy vary with each child and the dose and type of chemotherapy they receive. A medicine that makes one child very ill often has no effect on another child. Because the effects vary so much, how to manage nausea and vomiting also varies from one child to another. Your child's healthcare team will work out a specific plan for your child.

What is the treatment for my child's nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy?

Anti-emetics are medicines to reduce nausea and vomiting

Your child's cancer doctor will give your child medicines called anti-emetics if they have nausea and vomiting. These medicines effectively reduce nausea and vomiting.

Different medicines work well for different children

Different medicines work well for different tamariki. Your child may have more than one medicine for relief from nausea and vomiting. Your child can have anti-emetics either by mouth (orally) or into a vein (intravenously). You may be able to give your child medicines by mouth at home if nausea and vomiting continue. Follow the instructions you receive from your doctor or nurse at the treatment centre.

How can I help my child who has nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy?

Give small amounts of fluid throughout the day

Encourage your child to have a good fluid intake. Things to try include: 

• giving sips of drinks throughout the day
• giving your child flat lemonade and commercial glucose drinks such as Lucozade, which you can buy at the supermarket or pharmacy
• using cups with lids and straws to make smells less noticeable
• diluting their drinks by adding water to milk and fruit juices - it may help if vomiting stops but your child still feels sick

Give small frequent meals

Things to try include: 

• giving small, frequent meals or snacks every few hours
• avoid letting your child's stomach become too full or too empty
• if your child keeps vomiting, don't force them to eat - give them sips of fluid every 30 minutes instead

Try cold foods that don't have much smell

Try giving your child cold foods that don't have much smell - things like jelly, fruit juice, biscuits, sandwiches and desserts.

Try dry foods

Try dry foods such as crackers and plain biscuits.

Try ice cubes, ice blocks, peppermints or barley sugars.

Try small amounts of foods that appeal

When your child is able to drink fluids without vomiting, try giving them small amounts of foods that appeal - such as, cereals, yoghurt and cooked pureed fruit.

Avoid fatty and spicy foods

Avoid giving fatty and spicy foods such as chips, pizza, fried foods and chocolate until after your child stops feeling sick.

When should I call for help for my child with nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy?

Phone the hospital and tell your child's doctor or nurse if:

• your child has not been able to drink for 2 hours
• your child has vomited 3 or more times during the last 2 hours
• you are worried about your child's nausea or vomiting

Phone the hospital if your child has not been able to drink for 2 hours, has vomited 3 or more times during the last 2 hours, or you are worried.

Is it OK to offer my child food after they have vomited due to chemotherapy?

Yes, tamariki sometimes want to eat a few minutes after the vomiting has stopped or after a bout of nausea has passed.

Should I give my child with cancer their favourite foods when they are feeling sick?

You can give some of your child's favourites, but it might be best not to give all of them. Because they feel so ill, some tamariki develop a lasting association and dislike of some food during this time.

Read more about side effects of treatment

Read more about childhood cancer