Nausea
(Stomach upset & vomiting)

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Nausea is the uneasy and uncomfortable feeling in your stomach which may lead to vomiting. It is a common side effect in many cancer treatments. It may occur during Head and Neck radiation therapy due to thickening of saliva, medications or dietary changes.  Persistent or uncontrolled nausea and vomiting may lead to poor nutrition, reduced appetite and unintentional weight loss. Your treating team (doctors, nurses and dietitian) will help you manage these symptoms during your treatment. 

Tips to assist with nausea and vomiting:

Do not skip meals this can make you feel even more nauseous 

  • Foods that are cold (or at room temperature) may be better tolerated

  • Keep well hydrated with cold clear fluids in between mealtimes 

  • Try to cough and clear thick saliva instead of swallowing. Thick saliva can make you feel nauseous when swallowed.    

Consult with your doctor if ongoing nausea or vomiting is present. They may prescribe anti-nausea medication to help settle your stomach. They can also advise on when to take these medications to increase their effectiveness.

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Page reviewed 10th Sept 2021