About Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea
and Vomiting
If you are starting chemotherapy you are probably experiencing many feelings, both
emotional and physical. Unfortunately, chemotherapy and vomiting might be among
them.
Chemotherapy is administered in order to hopefully eliminate cancer cells in the
body. Very often, healthy cells may be damaged or destroyed as well. The body recognizes
that chemotherapy is a toxin and may send a message to the brain that a toxin is
present. One of the most common triggers of nausea or vomiting from chemotherapy
is the release of serotonin from your body. Serotonin may attach to receptors known
as 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) sending off signals to the brain. When
the signals reach the brain, nausea and vomiting known as chemotherapy-induced nausea
and vomiting, or CINV may result.
- Nausea is a subjective condition, marked by an unpleasant sensation
in the throat and stomach. Nausea may or may not result in vomiting
- Vomiting is the expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth
CINV may be prevented
The good news is that you can take measures to keep CINV at bay. There are medicines to help keep you from feeling sick after receiving
chemotherapy.
