44 SIDE EFFECTS AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT /// CHAPTER 28 How to Deal with Nausea and Vomiting Medications: » Your doctor will order medications to help prevent and control your nausea. » It is important to tell your nurses and doctor if the medicine is not working; we may have to try a few different medicines to find out what works best for you. » Take your medication as ordered. This sometimes means taking meds before you feel sick to your stomach, or for a week after finishing chemo. » Make sure you know the best way to take your meds before you go home. » Ask your doctor and nurses about when your chemo is expected to cause nausea so that you can take your anti-nausea medications correctly. » Know what medication works for you, so you can ask for it! Changing Your Environment: » Avoid strong smells. Is your bedroom right next to the kitchen? Maybe switch with another family member for a while. Ask your family to cover food with strong smells if they bother you. » Increase air circulation. Open a window or go outside for some fresh air if smells bother you. » Wear loose clothing that doesn't fit tight across your abdomen. Sometimes pressure on your stomach can make the feeling of nausea worse. » Cool air can help reduce nausea. Open the freezer door and stand there taking a few slow deep breaths. » Distract yourself. Put on a movie or play a game with friends. Eating/Drinking: » Drink clear liquids like ginger ale or apple juice or try Jell-O or popsicles. » Drink slowly in between meals instead of during meals. » Try eating smaller amounts. » Eat bland foods like crackers and toast without butter. » Eat cold foods because they have less smell, and can soothe your stomach. » Avoid high fat, spicy or very sweet foods when you are nauseated. » Tart or sour foods can be easier to eat (avoid them though if you have mouth sores). » Some people like to suck on mint candies or chew gum. » Use plastic forks and spoons if regular utensils have a metallic taste. » Sometimes having an empty stomach can make you feel nauseous. Try a small bland snack like crackers and see if it helps. WHEN TO CALL THE CLINIC » You cannot keep fluids down. » You cannot take or do not have the medicines ordered by the doctor. » You are taking the medicine ordered by the doctor, but it does not work. » You vomit blood or something that looks like coffee grounds. » You have a fever of 101 or higher.https://fwaya.org/