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Chemotherapy-Induced
Nausea and Vomiting
Chemotherapy-Induced
Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) usually
begins with a queasy feeling in the stomach, which may be caused by
chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with chemicals or drugs.
Nausea is
the queasy feeling in the stomach which may lead to the urge to vomit.
Vomiting
is the actual act
of getting rid of the contents of the stomach
through the mouth, or "throwing up."
Retching, also called "dry
heaves," is an attempt to vomit
that does not remove anything from the stomach.
Radiation-therapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (RINV)
is similar to CINV, but is caused by radiation therapy
Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) is similar to CINV, but occurs in some patients who undergo surgery.
If you are being treated with Radiation
therapy, Click Here
If you have had Surgery and are suffering
from nausea and vomiting,
Click Here
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Impact of Nausea
and Vomiting on Quality of Life
CINV can negatively affect your quality of life, making it hard to function normally from day to day,
causing anxiety and depression. Uncontrolled nausea and vomiting may even make you
consider stopping your cancer treatments – treatments that may save your life.
-
Patients rank nausea and vomiting among the most disturbing side effects of cancer therapy.
- About 70% to 80% of people who receive
chemotherapy experience CINV
- Of these, 46% have thought about
stopping their cancer treatment
- Up to 50% of people with cancer
may actually refuse or delay chemotherapy treatments
because they are afraid of the nausea and vomiting
it may cause
Learning about the treatment options available to you is a first step toward better control of
nausea and vomiting. Medicines that are easy to take and provide full 24-hour prevention of
nausea and vomiting are now available to patients with cancer. You no longer have to suffer.
And being more comfortable after cancer treatment means you will be more likely to complete
your entire treatment course.
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Types
of CINV:
- acute
- delayed
- anticipatory
Acute CINV begins within a few minutes to several hours after chemotherapy and usually ends
within 24 hours. The nausea and vomiting is generally most severe for the first 5 or 6 hours after
therapy.
Delayed CINV occurs more than 24 hours after chemotherapy and may continue for several
days. The nausea and vomiting is usually most severe about 48 to 72 hours after treatment and
can last for up to 6 or 7 days.
Anticipatory CINV affects people who suffered severe nausea and vomiting in previous cancer
treatments. Anticipatory CINV can be triggered by things that a person associates with
chemotherapy, including certain smells, tastes, objects, or images. For example, the scent of
alcohol may cause a person to feel nauseous and vomit if the chemotherapy treatment was
given in a room that smelled of alcohol.
The different types of nausea and vomiting can have a very serious effect on your quality of life
and health. Today’s medicines, offering full 24-hour coverage can ensure that you experience
the best symptom relief.
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Chemotherapy Side Effects |
Radiation Side Effects | Post-Operative
Side Effects | Symptom Relief
| Treatment Options | References
Symptom Diary | Diet Do's & Don'ts | Questions & Answers | Tips & Facts | Handbook for Nurses | Practical Guide for Patients
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