Tips to Overcome Nausea and Vomiting

It is not uncommon to experience nausea and vomiting as a side effect of cancer treatment.   Nausea and/or vomiting may occur right after treatment, several days later or possibly not at all.  If nausea or vomiting becomes severe, talk to the doctor.

• If food smells disagreeable, stay out of the kitchen/ house while food is prepared.  Using a grill or boiling bags can help diminish cooking smells.

• Rooms that are too warm or stuffy may make nausea worse.

• Eat small, frequent meals of easily digestible food, such as rice, broth and soda crackers.  A very full stomach can contribute to feelings of nausea.

• Keep a little bit of food in your stomach at all times.  An empty stomach can contribute to feelings of nausea.

• Try crackers or dry toast, especially if it has been several hours since your previous meal or snack.

• Try cool foods.  Often, they have fewer odors and are more easily digested.

• Eat on the days that chemotherapy is given, but do not eat favorite foods when nauseated.

• Avoid greasy, spicy, hot or very sweet food.

• Slowly sip cold, clear juices, ginger ale or other carbonated beverages.

• Restrict fluids with meals but be sure to drink plenty of fluids between meals.

• Try peppermint or ginger tea to reduce nausea.

• Hard candy flavored with peppermint, wintergreen or lemon can help, especially if you have unpleasant tastes in your mouth.

• Try high calorie medical nutritional supplements to help get calories and nutrients without filling up.*

• Try relaxation techniques.

• Wear loose clothing. Many people find that this helps reduce feelings of nausea.

• Talk to the doctor about anti-emetic (anti-nausea) medications. 

* For more information on nutrition and pancreatic cancer, including information about medical nutritional supplements, please contact a Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) Associate toll-free at 877-272-6226 or email pals@pancan.org.  PALS Associates are available M-F 7am-5pm Pacific Time.

The information and services provided by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc. are for informational purposes only. The information and services are not intended to be substitutes for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are ill, or suspect that you are ill, see a doctor immediately! The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network does not recommend nor endorse any specific physicians, products or treatments even though they may be mentioned on this site. In addition, please note that any personal information you provide to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's associates during telephone and/or email consultations may be stored in a secure database to assist the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc. in providing you with the best service possible. Portions of the constituent data stored in this database may be used to inform future programs and services of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc., and may be provided in aggregate form to third parties to guide future pancreatic cancer research and treatment efforts. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc. will not provide personal identifying information (such as your name or contact information) to third parties without your advanced written consent. 110913