What are the causes of nausea and vomiting in cancer patients?

Nausea and vomiting in cancer patients may be caused by side effects of anti-tumor treatments, improper diet, anxiety, indigestion, gastritis, or other factors. These symptoms can be improved through adjusting treatment plans, improving dietary habits, regulating emotions, and medication interventions. If symptoms occur frequently or are accompanied by dehydration, weight loss, etc., prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Side effects of anti-tumor treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa or affect the central nervous system, leading to nausea and vomiting. Symptoms typically appear within hours to days after treatment and may be accompanied by reduced appetite. It is recommended to discuss with the doctor about adjusting the treatment plan or dosage, and to take preventive antiemetic medications as prescribed before treatment.

2. Improper diet: Eating too quickly or excessively, or consuming greasy, spicy, raw, or cold irritating foods, can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and trigger nausea and vomiting, possibly accompanied by bloating and acid reflux. It is advised to adjust eating habits by having small, frequent meals, choosing light and easily digestible foods, avoiding irritating foods, and chewing food slowly and thoroughly.

3. Anxiety: Cancer patients often experience anxiety and tension due to disease-related stress. Emotional fluctuations can affect gastrointestinal function, resulting in nausea and vomiting, possibly accompanied by insomnia and palpitations. It is recommended to relieve emotional distress through listening to music, talking with family and friends, meditation, or other relaxation techniques. Seek help from a mental health professional if needed.

4. Indigestion: Slowed gastrointestinal motility causes food to remain in the stomach for prolonged periods, leading to gas production through fermentation, which triggers nausea and vomiting, possibly accompanied by belching and bloating. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as compound digestive enzyme capsules, lactase tablets, or mosapride tablets to alleviate symptoms.

5. Gastritis: Inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by *Helicobacter pylori* infection or drug irritation can lead to nausea and vomiting due to mucosal stimulation, possibly accompanied by stomach pain and a burning sensation. Patients may use medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, or aluminum magnesium carbonate chewable tablets under medical supervision to improve symptoms.

Daily care should include maintaining regular作息 (daily routines), avoiding fatigue; creating a comfortable eating environment; taking a light walk after meals to promote gastrointestinal motility; and closely monitoring vomiting episodes, including frequency and volume.