Nausea and/or vomiting are common cancer treatment side effects, but they can often be prevented or relieved with help from your healthcare team. This is very important as it can lead to weakness or dehydration (not having enough water in the body) if left untreated.  

There’s no way to know prior to treatment if you will experience nausea and/or vomiting.  However, some people are more likely than others, including those who:  

• Are female
• Are aged 50 or below
• Had previous nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
• Have a history of motion sickness
• Had morning sickness while pregnant
• Are dehydrated or malnourished
• Had recent radiation therapy or surgery
• Are nervous or anxious
• Vomit often when sick 
• Are light or non-drinkers of alcohol

Lung cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, certain types of radiation therapy (such as brain radiation), immunotherapy, and targeted therapy can all cause nausea and/or vomiting. Your healthcare team will talk to you about the risk of nausea and vomiting with your specific treatment type and provide ways to manage it.

Nausea and vomiting can occur at various times throughout your treatment path. Understanding the different types of nausea and vomiting can help you and your healthcare team manage them effectively. They include:

• Anticipatory: Before or during treatment, you think of treatment sensations (sights, smells, etc.) with past nausea, which brings on new feelings of nausea.  
• Acute: This occurs within a day after treatment, usually much shorter, and is more likely with IV infusions or medicines taken by mouth. 
• Delayed: Symptoms that strike more than 24 hours after treatment and last up to a few days are considered delayed. They’re more likely to happen with certain types of chemotherapy. 
• Breakthrough: This can happen after you’ve had a treatment to stop nausea and vomiting. It may mean you need more or different medicines to treat the problem.  
• Refractory: This occurs when a nausea treatment worked for you in the past but doesn’t work for you anymore. 

Nausea and vomiting can often be prevented or eased with help from your healthcare team. Ask a member of your team what treatment is best for you.  

Most types of cancer treatments have the potential to cause nausea and vomiting. Since some specific drugs and treatments are more likely to cause this side effect than others, it’s important to ask your healthcare team about side effects for your specific treatment. If you have nausea and vomiting, there are very effective medicines that can prevent or ease this common side effect. 

If you feel nauseous or are vomiting due to the side effects of lung cancer treatment, there are several prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines that can help reduce your symptoms. You may also receive nausea medicine before or after your treatment to prevent nausea and/or vomiting. Ask your healthcare team about what is best for you. 

 Practical tips:  

• Eat bland foods and avoid greasy, salty, spicy, and heavily seasoned foods. 
• Sit upright for 2 hours after eating. 
• Eat small meals or healthy snacks throughout the day. Not eating for long periods can make nausea worse. 
• Eat cold or room-temperature foods. Sandwiches, salads, stewed fruit, and gelatin desserts are good choices. 
• Drink ginger ale, ginger tea, eat ginger biscuits, or chew a piece of ginger to reduce nausea.
• Use distractions such as watching TV, reading, and listening to music.
• Avoid strong odors from foods or any other source. 

Some people find relief through acupressure, acupuncture, hypnosis, and relaxation techniques such as meditation and guided imagery.  

It’s always a good idea to tell a member of your healthcare team when you notice a side effect from treatment or a symptom that concerns you. Often, these problems can be prevented or eased with help from your healthcare team or through palliative care services.  

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects that are often easily treated. However, sometimes they can cause more serious issues. If nausea and vomiting are severe or long-lasting, extreme weight loss, fatigue, or dehydration can occur. If you experience these signs and symptoms or you’re not able to hold down food or liquids, contact your healthcare team right away.