Loss of Appetite, Nausea, and Vomiting

Loss of appetite and nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of HIV infection opportunistic infections, and treatment. There are a variety of ways to relieve nausea and vomiting and help increase appetite.

Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite can be a serious problem; it can lead to malnutrition and severe weight loss. When your body is trying to fight infection, it needs nutrition. It needs enough protein and calories to function at its best, to give you energy, and to help reduce the effects of the disease and its treatment.

• Eating enough of the right kinds of foods can be difficult when you don't feel like eating at all. Here are some tips to help you increase your appetite:
• Take a walk before mealtime. Mild exercise can stimulate your appetite.
• Avoid drinking liquids before a meal, because they can fill you up. If you want to drink, then drink juices or milk-something nutritious.
• Eat with family or friends if possible. If eating is a social event, it will seem less of a chore.
• Eat a variety of foods. Spice up your food with herbs, spices, and sauces. Use butter, bacon bits, croutons, wine sauces, and marinades to provide taste-pleasing meals.
• Don't fill up on salads or "diet" foods. Eat vegetables and fruits along with meats, poultry, and fish to make sure you get enough calories and nutrition.
• Eat smaller meals more often, especially if you fill up before you've eaten all your meal.

If you still are not getting enough calories or protein, your health care provider may recommend dietary supplements that can be added to milk, soup, or pudding.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of many treatments and infections. Doctors frequently prescribe an anti-emetic to combat this. The anti-emetic usually is given a few hours before the treatment and then every 3 or 4 hours after the treatment for a day or two. It may take some experimenting with dosage and timing to come up with the best schedule for you.

The following are other remedies and preventive measures you can try to help prevent or alleviate nausea and vomiting: 

• Eat soda crackers and suck on sour candy balls throughout the day to relieve queasiness.
• Choose cold or room -temperature foods instead of hot ones; hot and warm foods seem to cause nausea.
• Avoid salty, fatty, and sweet foods or any food with strong odors - opt instead for bland, creamy foods such as cottage cheese, toast and mashed potatoes.
• Stay away from nauseating odors, sights, and sounds. Get as much fresh air as possible. A leisurely walk can help alleviate nausea.
• Don't eat right before your treatment. Eat lightly for a few hours after your treatment.
• Try relaxation therapy, self-hypnosis, or imagery to alleviate nausea-inducing tension.
• Distract yourself with a book, TV, or activity.
• Sleep during episodes of nausea if possible.

If vomiting does occur, eat or drink nothing until your stomach has settled, usually a few hours after the last vomiting episode. Then begin sipping clear liquids or sucking on ice cubes. If you tolerate the liquids, you may begin eating bland foods a few hours after you started the liquids.