Helping Parents Manage Nausea and Vomiting During Children's Treatment

Helping Parents Manage Nausea and Vomiting During Children's Treatment

In this article, we will be sharing the written content from Ms. Lingxia Sun, a clinical nutritionist from Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States. This is intended for parents to better learn and review relevant knowledge in conjunction with the video.

During treatment, children are likely to experience common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and oral mucositis. Today, we will discuss why nausea and vomiting occur and what parents can do to help.

Why Does Nausea and Vomiting Occur?

Both the tumor itself and the treatment can cause nausea and vomiting.

Cancer is an inflammatory disease, and high levels of inflammation can trigger nausea and vomiting. Additionally, the location of the tumor plays a role; for example, if a brain tumor puts pressure on certain nerves, it can also provoke nausea and vomiting.

Treatment-related nausea and vomiting are more prevalent. Many medications, especially chemotherapy drugs, have vomiting as a side effect. Furthermore, radiation therapy to the head, neck, abdomen, or the whole body can also lead to these symptoms.

On the other hand, both radiation and certain chemotherapy drugs can alter taste perception. As a result, when a child eats foods they usually enjoy, they may find them tasting strange. For instance, meat might taste metallic or earthy, which can incite feelings of nausea.

Thus, when children experience nausea and vomiting, parents should not blame themselves or feel guilty about their cooking. These reactions are caused by the illness and its treatment.

1. Choose Appropriate Foods

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to food. What one person enjoys may make another person feel sick. I usually advise parents to keep a record of foods that cause nausea and vomiting during treatment. If a child reacts poorly to a certain food, it might be best to avoid it temporarily and try foods that they can tolerate better.

The temperature of the food can also have an impact. While hot, steaming food often seems appetizing, it can actually exacerbate nausea during treatment. Therefore, it’s generally better to serve food at room temperature or slightly cool, but not ice-cold.

Moreover, some foods with distinct flavors can help alleviate nausea. For example, ginger and sour foods can be beneficial, so it might help to include those. Adding a slice or two of lemon to water can also be soothing.

2. Choose Appropriate Cooking Methods

Foods cooked with a lot of oil (like fried or sautéed dishes) are more likely to cause vomiting. The fumes from cooking can also trigger nausea, so I recommend that parents turn on the exhaust fan while cooking and avoid having the child stay in the kitchen.

3. Choose Appropriate Eating Habits

Don’t skip meals just because the child has been vomiting. Nausea and vomiting don’t occur all the time, so as long as the child can eat, it’s important to provide them with some food. Otherwise, an empty stomach can lead to more nausea and retching. Additionally, if the child doesn’t eat for an extended period, their nutritional intake will be insufficient.

However, it’s best not to eat immediately after vomiting. Start with a few sips of water, then gradually move on to broth, and finally solid food. Gradually introduce food throughout the day, and it’s advisable to have smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overwhelming the stomach. After meals, children shouldn’t lie down immediately to prevent reflux. It’s also essential to coordinate eating times with treatment schedules, such as avoiding food two hours before chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

4. Medication Management

There are many medications available to control nausea and vomiting, and pediatric dosages differ from those for adults. It’s crucial to select appropriate medications and dosages based on the cause of the child’s nausea and vomiting, so parents should consult with their healthcare provider.

Moreover, nausea and vomiting can be preemptively managed. Chemotherapy drugs known to induce vomiting include Dactinomycin, Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Cytarabine, Doxorubicin, and Irinotecan. Parents should discuss with their doctors the possibility of administering anti-nausea medications 30 to 60 minutes before chemotherapy to provide a preventive effect. The same preemptive measures can be applied before radiation therapy to the head, neck, abdomen, and body.

5. Other Methods

Other strategies for managing nausea and vomiting include wearing loose clothing and maintaining a relaxed mindset. Listening to soothing music and seeking professional psychological support can also be beneficial. Both parents and children should try to avoid fixating on the possibility of nausea and vomiting, as this psychological suggestion can exacerbate the symptoms.

Another method is acupressure. Pressing the Neiguan acupoint has clinical data supporting its effectiveness for children experiencing nausea and vomiting. Parents can apply pressure before meals or bedtime, or even throughout the day as needed.

Recipe Example: Ginger Steamed Eggs

This recipe is not a cure for vomiting but serves to demonstrate how to alleviate nausea through everyday meals. We know that eggs are highly nutritious, and many children eat steamed eggs during treatment. This is partly due to their rich protein content and their soft texture, which is easy to consume. Adding ginger juice to the steamed eggs can provide some relief for nausea symptoms.

Course Instructor: Ms. Lingxia Sun  

Former Clinical Nutritionist at Johns Hopkins Hospital  

Course Development Assistant: Jia Zuo  

Content Organizer: Yu Xia  

Layout: Meng Yi  

Proofreading: Xiu Xiu