Dealing with Nausea and Vomiting During Chemotherapy
Two of the most dreaded side effects of anti-cancer chemotherapy are nausea and vomiting, which can last for hours and days after each session. Fortunately, doctors have discovered effective treatment and prevention methods so much so that many patients experience little to no nausea and vomiting.
Your first step is taking a proactive stance by educating yourself on the most important aspects of these side effects.
Link Between Chemotherapy and Its Side Effects
Chemotherapy leads to nausea and vomiting in many ways. First, certain areas of your nervous system that control vomiting will be activated. The more potent the cocktail of drugs, the more likely that you can suffer from vomiting.
Second, the medications in chemotherapy can interact with other drugs. The combination can severely irritate the lining.
Third, your brain can recall the experience of nausea and/or vomiting after the administration of the chemotherapy cocktail. This is known as anticipatory nausea, which can be just as bad as the side effect after chemotherapy itself.
Likelihood of Experience
Not all patients will experience nausea and vomiting with similar frequency, intensity and duration. Your likelihood of experiencing these side effects depends on several factors including your age, sex and history with motion sickness as well as on the specific chemotherapy medications used for your treatment.
If you are a young female patient with a history of motion sickness, then you have high risks for nausea and vomiting. If your chemotherapy medication is cisplatin, you have high risks, too, while carboplatin, doxorubicin, and irinotecan have medium risks; low risk medications include docetaxel, etoposide and pemetrexed while very low risk medications are vincristine, vinorelbine and bevacizumab.
Ask your doctor about changing your chemotherapy medications, if possible.
Lessening the Health Risks
Many non-patients may think that treating and preventing nausea and vomiting among cancer patients is of secondary importance to the chemotherapy itself – a bear-and-grin attitude, if you will. But there are several reasons for the treatment and prevention of these side effects.
Nobody likes being nauseated all the time so your psychological well-being partly depends on controlling the symptom. But that’s not all – nausea and vomiting can lead to worrisome health issues like dehydration, lack of nutrition, and tears in the esophagus.
Your doctor will usually prescribe the following treatment and prevention options:
- Medications
Anti-nausea drugs are provided even before the symptoms begin, said drugs of which can be given on as-needed basis or on a regular basis. These include aprepitant, dexamethasone, and lorazepam, among others, which can be used alone or in combination.
This may prove effective in your case. Ask your doctor about the alternative treatment.
- Natural methods
A few simple measures can help. Eat small yet frequent meals. Avoid drinking liquids during meals. Remain seated after eating for at least 30 minutes. Avoid triggers like food and smells. Wear loose-fitting clothes especially around your abdomen.
But when your symptoms of nausea and vomiting do not appear to lessen – these worsen instead – despite the medications, alternative treatments, and natural methods, then you must call your doctor. You may be prescribed other medications, among other options. If you’d like more information call 888-719-8448 or walk in to our office such as, our Temecula office near Murrieta, Fallbrook, Wildomar, Canyon Lake, and Sun City.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Corona, which is conveniently located near Norco, Home Gardens, Mira Loma, and Pedley. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit https://healthpointe.net.