Nausea and vomiting
Nausea is best treated early. If you feel sick, talk to your doctor. You will probably be given anti-nausea medicine that you can take regularly to relieve symptoms. Finding the right one can take time: if you still have nausea or vomiting after using the prescribed medicine, let your doctor know so that another type can be tried.
Tips for managing nausea
- Take anti-nausea medicine before your treatment session, if you know you are likely to feel nauseated afterwards.
- Sip on fluids throughout the day. If you don’t like water, drink flavoured water or tea. Peppermint, ginger or weak black tea can be soothing. You can also try sparkling water, lemonade or ginger ale.
- Avoid strong odours. Keep your distance if colleagues are eating strong-smelling food.
- If you work in the food or construction industry and are affected by strong smells, ask for other tasks.
- Chew gum or suck on ice cubes throughout the day.
- Eat something before going to bed or soon after getting up in the morning, and eat small meals and snacks regularly. An empty stomach can make your nausea worse. Try nibbling on bland crackers.
- Try eating food with ginger, which can ease nausea.
- Breathe deeply and gently through your mouth if you feel like you’re going to vomit, or go outside to get some fresh air.
- Keep a sick bag close to you or sit near the bathroom so you can get there quickly if necessary.
- Work from home or take leave, if you feel too nauseated.
This information was last reviewed in January 2017
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