How can I deal with vomiting and nausea?
Sometimes, you just want to hear it from people who've been there too. That’s why we asked parents of children with cancer to share their stories, tips and advice. Take a look at the tips from other parents below on how to deal with the vomiting and nausea that can come as a side effect of treatments such as chemotherapy.
Anti-sickness medication
You can talk to your doctor and treatment team about whether any anti-sickness medications could work for your child. If your child isn’t responding to the medicine, talk to your child’s doctor, who may recommend trying a different one.
“There are lots of anti-sickness meds available – keep trying until you find one that works for your child.”
Tell the doctors and nurses! Only by letting them know, were they able to try different meds until we found some that works.
Stock up on essentials
Keeping a stash of useful products on hand can be useful in case of any emergencies.
“Have a stock of hospital sick bowls, wipes, kitchen roll and spare plastic bags for disposal for car journeys.”
“Always having spare clothes and baby wipes wherever we went.”
Be mindful of sights and smells
Food can often be a trigger for nausea and vomiting so it’s useful to keep this in mind when you’re cooking around your child.
Cooking smells and the sight of food would often make things worse for my child so allow them their own space away from cooking areas and try to minimise the ‘waft’ of food smells.
Distraction is key
Taking your child’s mind off feeling unwell can be a helpful way to help them deal with any queasy feelings.
“TV or a good film was a good distraction.”
“Keep active and busy when possible to keep their mind off feeling grotty.”
Stay calm for them
Being a normal and reassuring presence when they are experience nausea and vomiting can help your child feel better – but you’re definitely not alone if you find this difficult and stressful.
“Just try to be ‘normal’ – easier said than done!”
Just stay calm and reassure them no matter how stressful you find it.
We’ve asked parents to share their tips and advice from their own experiences and what they’ve found helpful. But if you are worried about how to manage nausea and vomiting as a side effect of your child’s treatment, talk to your doctor who will be able to give you more advice and guidance.
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Help your child cope with side effects
Every child's experience of treatment is different. Remember that most side effects are only temporary and you should get plenty of help to reduce or control them.
Find out more about how to help your child deal with side effects.Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG)
You can find out more information about how to deal with the side effects of chemotherapy and other treatments from our friends at CCLG.
Visit the CCLG website for more informationJoin our Facebook group for parents
Share your stories and experiences with other parents. Get advice or share tips to help others, and become part of a supportive community.
Join our parents and carers Facebook groupGet a Young Lives vs Cancer grant
It’s not right that young people and parents have to worry about money when they need to focus on treatment and all that comes with it. So Young Lives vs Cancer gives various grants, right from the moment of diagnosis, to help young people and families cope financially.
Find out more about getting a grant