Gastrointestinal Symptoms Gastrointestinal symptoms include such problems as nausea (feeling queasy or sick to one's stomach), vomiting (throwing up), constipation or diarrhea, anorexia (loss of appetite), and cachexia (severe weight loss). These difficulties can be caused by a number of illnesses, treatments, medications, and other factors, including: cancer, AIDS, and other diseases radiation therapy dehydration chemotherapy certain foods opioids, antibiotics, and other drugs lactose (milk) intolerance emotional distress and anxiety surgery taste changes What You Can Do to Help Nausea/Vomiting Encourage the patient to take prescribed antinausea medication Fix the patient frequent light meals throughout the day Serve foods cool or at room temperature Avoid fried foods, dairy products, and acidic foods (e.g., citrus fruits, citrus juice, and vinegar) Stay away from spicy foods; stick to bland foods, such as dry crackers Make sure the patient's mouth is kept clean Offer chewing gum or hard candy Take the patient outside or open a window for fresh air Encourage rest and relaxation Make sure the patient drinks enough clear liquids, sipped slowly, to prevent dehydration Avoid unpleasant or strong odors Distract the patient with music, television, or other activities When to Call the Doctor for Nausea and Vomiting: If there is blood or material that looks like coffee grounds in the vomit If vomit shoots out for a distance (projectile vomiting) If two doses of prescribed medications are not taken or kept down because of nausea or vomiting If the patient cannot keep liquids or food down If weakness or dizziness occur If severe stomach pains occur with vomiting Constipation Discuss the use of laxatives and stool softeners with the doctor and follow a regular schedule as directed If the doctor agrees, give the patient foods high in fiber (whole grain cereal and bread, dried fruit, nuts, beans, and raw fruits and vegetables) Make sure the patient drinks enough liquids (up to 6-8 glasses per day) Offer prune juice, hot lemon water, tea, or coffee, which may stimulate the bowels Encourage daily exercise, such as walking (in keeping with the doctor's advice) When to Call the Doctor for Constipation: If the patient has not had a bowel movement in many days If constipation occurs with severe abdominal pain If constipation worsens and is followed by vomiting Diarrhea Give medicine for diarrhea as directed by the doctor Replace lost fluids and nutrients by offering clear liquids (clear juices, water, broth), often and in between meals (2-3 quarts per day) Serve foods low in fiber and high in potassium and protein (eggs, bananas, applesauce, mashed potatoes, rice, and dry toast) Serve many small meals throughout the day rather than 3 big meals Avoid serving foods that may increase bloating (vegetables, beans, fruits) Avoid serving fatty or acidic foods (fatty meat, fried food, spicy food) Limit caffeine intake (coffee, tea, soda with caffeine, and chocolate) Avoid serving dairy or milk products When to Call the Doctor for Diarrhea: If the patient is losing a lot of fluid from severe diarrhea If there is blood in the diarrhea If diarrhea is oily in the toilet If there is a fever If the patient does not drink any liquids for more than 2 days Loss of Appetite/Weight Loss Do not force-feed the patient Do not get angry if the patient does not want to eat Prepare familiar favorite foods Try light exercise or walking before meals Encourage eating meals at the table with others Serve meals over a prolonged period of time in a relaxed environment Place meals on smaller plates with smaller servings more frequently Cover up unpleasant odors Serve a glass of wine before meals to stimulate appetite (as per MD's advice) Offer frequent high protein, high calorie snacks (pudding, ice cream, milk shakes) Try new spices or flavorings for foods Prevent early feelings of fullness by: serving beverages between meals, not with meals; eating slowly; and avoiding too many vegetables and carbonated drinks When to Call the Doctor for Appetite/Weight Loss: If the patient reduces normal food intake for a long time If the patient loses 5 pounds or more in a short time If there is pain with chewing and/or swallowing If the patient experiences dizziness upon standing If the patient does not urinate for an entire day, or does not move the bowels for many days   ©2000 Continuum Health Partners, Inc. Disclaimer