How to Prevent Nausea During Cancer Treatment

Who Might Experience Nausea or Vomiting from Chemotherapy?

Some people are more likely to feel sick or throw up during chemotherapy. The risk depends on which drugs doctors use, the amount given, and if other treatments like radiation therapy are given at the same time.

People who have had a lot of nausea before, such as with past treatments or motion sickness, might be more likely to experience these side effects. Factors that raise the chance of nausea and vomiting include:

Type and dose of chemotherapy drugs
Use of other cancer treatments at the same time
Personal or family history of nausea and vomiting
Age and gender (younger people and women are often more at risk)
Anxiety, smell sensitivity, and past experiences with upset stomach

Doctors can adjust treatments or doses to help lower the chances of these side effects.

How Do Medicines Lessen Chemo-Related Nausea and Vomiting?

Doctors often give anti-nausea medicines, also called antiemetics, to help control and prevent these symptoms. Usually, doctors start these medicines before chemotherapy begins, so the body does not have a chance to become upset. Sometimes doctors use more than one medication together for better control.

Common Types of Anti-Nausea Medicines

Medicine or Class	Type	How It Helps
Serotonin antagonists	Prescription drug class	Blocks serotonin, a chemical in the brain that can cause nausea and vomiting.
Phenothiazines	Prescription drug class	Blocks chemical signals in the brain that lead to nausea or upset stomach.
NK1 receptor antagonists	Prescription drug class	Stops signals that trigger vomiting.
Corticosteroids	Prescription drug class	Lowers inflammation and works with other anti-nausea drugs.
Cannabinoids	Controlled substance/nausea control	Used if other drugs do not work; sometimes helps with appetite.

Doctors may give these medicines as a pill, by mouth, or through an IV. The schedule depends on the type of chemotherapy and the individual’s needs. Some people continue taking anti-nausea medicines for several days after treatment to prevent delayed symptoms.

What Else Helps Reduce Chemo-Related Upset Stomach and Vomiting?

In addition to medicines, patients can take simple steps at home. These lifestyle ideas and self-care techniques can make a real difference.

Eating and Drinking Tips

Eat smaller meals more often instead of three large meals.
Try light meals before chemotherapy starts.
Choose bland, cool, or lightly flavored foods; avoid spicy, fried, or greasy foods.
Drink cool liquids, like water, unsweetened fruit juice, ginger ale (not fizzy), peppermint tea, or ginger tea throughout the day rather than large amounts all at once.
Clear liquids such as broths are easy on the stomach.
Prepare meals ahead of time or have someone else cook if food smells trigger nausea.

Avoiding Triggers

Stay away from strong or unpleasant smells, including food odors.
Open windows, turn on a fan for fresh air, or step outside if possible.
Rest after eating, but avoid lying flat for two hours. Sit up or recline slightly instead.
Wear loose clothing and relax to avoid feeling squeezed or hot.

Complementary and Relaxation Techniques

Try deep breathing, meditation, or guided imagery. These relaxation techniques may reduce stomach upset.
Some people find acupuncture and acupressure helpful in managing nausea.
Aromatherapy using essential oils like peppermint or ginger can help some individuals.
Listening to music or trying forms of art or music therapy can be soothing.
Ginger root and peppermint candies or teas are popular natural options, but talk to a healthcare team before starting new supplements.

Quick Reference: Foods and Habits to Try or Avoid

Try These	Avoid These
Cool beverages, ginger ale, peppermint tea	Spicy or greasy foods
Small, light meals, salty crackers	Sweet, heavy, or fatty foods
Aromatherapy with essential oils	Strong food smells
Fresh air, opening a window	Cooking in a closed space
Guided imagery, deep breathing, meditation	Skipping meals

If someone feels nauseated even after taking their medicine, contact the healthcare team immediately. Extra medication or changes in treatment can often help get symptoms under control.