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Radiation-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Radiation-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (RINV)
is the queasy feeling in the stomach brought on by some radiation treatments.
Radiation Therapy is the use of high energy rays (x-rays or gamma rays) to treat cancer.
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.
Chemotherapy-Induced
Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) is similar to RINV, but is caused by chemotherapy.
Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) is similar to CINV, but occurs in some patients who undergo surgery.
If
you are being treated with Chemotherapy, 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
RINV 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.
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People rank nausea and vomiting among the most disturbing
side effects of cancer therapy.
- About 50% of people who receive radiation
therapy to the abdomen will experience RINV.
- Up to 40% of these people report
that they have many incidents of nausea and vomiting.
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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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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