The common problems related to treatment and their management: -

Loss of appetite	Try small frequent meals/snacks 5-6 per day Do not put too much food on the plate or use smaller plate Try to make meals interesting e.g. Colourful, well arranged on the plate, cut in different forms and shape. Avoid fatty rich foods Involve child in shopping and preparing meals
Nausea	Try small amounts of food at a time Cold foods may be better tolerated Avoid fatty or greasy foods Avoid hot and spicy foods Dry foods e.g. dry biscuit toast may be tolerated Avoid cooking smell
Vomiting	Have mouth washes regularly to help remove the taste Take sips of clear cool fluids/drinks Nibble on dry biscuits or toast Try easily digestible foods like juice, clear broth, rice or dhal water weak tea
Sore mouth/throat	Soft foods like mashed potato mashed vegetables, mashed rice/dhal dahi, rice kheer, ice cream Avoid citrus fruits, spicy or salty food Use straws for drink Cut food in small pieces Serve food with more sauces and gravies since easier to swallow
Dry mouth	Have frequent drinks Crushed ice or ice cubes to suck may help Suckling boiled sweets or mint may help stimulate saliva production Cold foods can be soothing, ice-cream, dahi, milkshakes, jelly
Taste changes	To use spices and fresh herbs like coriander, pudina (mint) Use different things to add flavour like maggi flavour cubes, sauces Vary the colour and texture of the food. Offer foods that look and smell good

The treatment of cancer can be difficult for any one and any age. Supportive care (treatment of disease side effects or symptoms from various members of health care team, including dieticians and child life therapists can make nutritional aspects of treatment less difficult. Making tasty high calories snacks and possible alternative to oral nutrition are part of supportive care.

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Last updated on 25-03-2003