Problem 6: Nausea/Vomiting

Some people with advanced cancer can experience problems with nausea (upset stomach, feeling queasy) and vomiting (throwing up). Nausea and vomiting can be caused by certain complications of cancer or by certain medications like chemotherapy and painkillers. Constipation, stomach irritation, or responses to bad smells and tastes can also cause nausea and/or vomiting. Nausea can also be made worse when you are overly tired or anxious. There are several things that you can do to control your upset stomach.

Based on your personal assessment, this section will provide practical tips on coping with nausea and vomiting.


Personal Assessment
  1. Does frequent vomiting prevent you from keeping down medications, food or liquids?
    Yes No

  2. Have you had a bowel movement in the last three or four days?
    Yes No

  3. Are you on any medications to help control nausea and vomiting?
    Yes No

  4. Have you changed your eating habits to prevent the nausea and vomiting?
    Yes No

  5. Have you tried any breathing techniques to control your nausea?
    Yes No

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