Why do Chemotherapy Drugs Cause Nausea and Vomiting?

April 3, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

Nausea and Vomiting

Chemotherapy drugs are medications used to treat cancer by targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells. While chemotherapy is effective in killing cancer cells, it can also affect healthy cells in the body, including those in the gastrointestinal tract and the brain’s vomiting center. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, and several mechanisms contribute to their occurrence:

  • Direct stimulation of the vomiting center: Chemotherapy drugs can directly stimulate the vomiting center in the brain, which is responsible for coordinating the vomiting reflex. These drugs trigger signals to the vomiting center, leading to nausea and vomiting.
  • Irritation of the gastrointestinal tract: Chemotherapy drugs can irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation and activation of sensory nerves in the stomach and intestines. This irritation can produce signals that are transmitted to the brain, resulting in nausea and vomiting.
  • Chemical triggers: Chemotherapy drugs can disrupt the normal balance of chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, in the brain and gastrointestinal tract. Changes in the levels of these neurotransmitters can affect the functioning of the vomiting center and contribute to nausea and vomiting.
  • Delayed gastric emptying: Some chemotherapy drugs can slow down the movement of food through the stomach and intestines, a condition known as delayed gastric emptying or gastroparesis. Delayed gastric emptying can lead to a feeling of fullness and discomfort in the stomach, increasing the likelihood of nausea and vomiting.
  • Sensitivity to smells and tastes: Chemotherapy drugs can alter a person’s sense of smell and taste, making certain odors or foods more likely to trigger nausea and vomiting.
  • Anxiety and stress: The emotional stress and anxiety associated with undergoing chemotherapy treatment can exacerbate nausea and vomiting by activating the body’s stress response and increasing sensitivity to nausea-inducing stimuli.
  • Cumulative effects: Nausea and vomiting may worsen with repeated chemotherapy sessions, as the cumulative effects of treatment can further irritate the gastrointestinal tract and sensitize the vomiting center.

To manage chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, healthcare providers may prescribe antiemetic medications before or during treatment to help prevent or reduce these side effects. Additionally, dietary modifications, relaxation techniques, and behavioral interventions can also be helpful in managing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

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