Questions About Cancer? 1-800-4-CANCER

Nausea and Vomiting (PDQ®)

Patient Version
Last Modified: 12/01/2011

Anticipatory Nausea and Vomiting

Key Points for This Section


Anticipatory nausea and vomiting may occur after several treatment sessions.

Anticipatory nausea and vomiting occur in some patients after they have had several courses of treatment. This is caused by triggers, such as odors in the therapy room. For example, a person who begins chemotherapy and smells an alcohol swab at the same time may later have nausea and vomiting at the smell of alcohol alone. The more chemotherapy sessions a patient has, the more likely it is that anticipatory nausea and vomiting will develop. The following may make anticipatory nausea and vomiting more likely:

  • Being younger than 50 years.
  • Being female.
  • Having any of the following, after the last chemotherapy session:
    • Nausea and vomiting.
    • Feeling warm or hot.
    • Feeling weak.
    • Sweating.
    • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
  • A history of motion sickness.
  • Having a high level of anxiety.
  • Certain types of chemotherapy (some are more likely to cause nausea and vomiting).
  • Having morning sickness during pregnancy.

Treatment of anticipatory nausea and vomiting should begin early.

Treatment of anticipatory nausea and vomiting is more likely to work when symptoms are treated early. Although antinausea drugs do not seem to help, the following types of treatment may decrease symptoms:

Psychologists and other mental health professional with special training in these treatments can often help patients with anticipatory nausea and vomiting.



Glossary Terms

alcohol (AL-kuh-hol)
A chemical substance found in beer, wine, and liquor, and some medicines, mouthwashes, household products, and essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants). Alcohol contains a carbon atom attached to a hydroxyl group (a molecule made of an oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom).
anxiety (ang-ZY-eh-tee)
Feelings of fear, dread, and uneasiness that may occur as a reaction to stress. A person with anxiety may sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heart beat. Extreme anxiety that happens often over time may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
biofeedback (BY-oh-FEED-bak)
A method of learning to voluntarily control certain body functions such as heartbeat, blood pressure, and muscle tension with the help of a special machine. This method can help control pain.
chemotherapy (KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells.
distraction (dis-TRAK-shun)
In medicine, a pain relief method that takes the patient's attention away from the pain.
drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
guided imagery (GY-did IH-muh-jree)
A technique in which a person focuses on positive images in his or her mind. It can help people reach a relaxed, focused state and help reduce stress and give a sense of well-being. Also called imagery.
hypnosis (hip-NOH-sis)
A trance-like state in which a person becomes more aware and focused and is more open to suggestion.
mental health (MEN-tul helth)
A person’s overall psychological and emotional condition. Good mental health is a state of well-being in which a person is able to cope with everyday events, think clearly, be responsible, meet challenges, and have good relationships with others.
nausea (NAW-zee-uh)
A feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that may come with an urge to vomit. Nausea is a side effect of some types of cancer therapy.
pregnancy (PREG-nun-see)
The condition between conception (fertilization of an egg by a sperm) and birth, during which the fertilized egg develops in the uterus. In humans, pregnancy lasts about 288 days.
psychologist (sy-KAH-loh-jist)
A specialist who can talk with patients and their families about emotional and personal matters, and can help them make decisions.
symptom (SIMP-tum)
An indication that a person has a condition or disease. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain.
therapy (THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment.
vomit (VAH-mit)
To eject some or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth.