Nausea & Vomiting

Nausea is the urge to vomit, which may not necessarily be vomiting. Vomiting is when the contents of the stomach are forced out of the mouth, and is almost always accompanied by nausea. Other symptoms that may cause nausea and vomiting include intense pain anywhere on the body, constipation, heavy coughing, imbalanced electrolytes (like sodium and calcium), or immense psychological stress.

Causes of nausea and vomiting include:

• A tumour compressing the brain, causing increased intracranial pressure.
• Gut problems, such as infection, ulcers, constipation, high intestinal obstruction.
• Electrolyte disturbance like High serum calcium level, renal impairment
• Side effects from treatments, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• Side effects from medications, such as opioids and tricyclic antidepressants.
• Symptoms such as pain and anxiety

• Depending on the causes of nausea and/or vomiting, the doctor may prescribe medications called antiemetics. They are to stop feeling of nausea and vomiting.
• Drugs that are most used to control nausea and vomiting include:
  • Metoclopramide (Maxolon)
  • Cyclizine
  • Dexamethasone
  • Ondansetron (Zofran)
  • Haloperidol 
• If you are started on morphine or other opioid-type painkilleres, you may have nausea or vomitting for a few days. However, this discomfort usually goes away after a few days. Your doctor may give you antiemetics at the same time to prevent. 

• Tips on diets
  • Drinking small amounts throughout the day.
  • Avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
  • Avoiding having beverages with meals. Drink and eat at least 30 minutes apart.
  • Having meals frequently but in small amounts each time.
  • Eating bland, digestible foods that do not upset the stomach, such as plain crackers or toast.
  • Avoiding foods that are spicy, fatty, sweet, salty or odourous.
  • Avoiding lying down right after eating.
• Other methods
  • Having acupuncture or acupressure
  • Distracting yourself and engaging yourself in other relaxing activities
  • Doing relaxation exercises
  • Taking ginger

Smart patient (by Hospital Authority): Nausea and Vomiting