Nausea and vomiting: an uninvited guest after anesthesia surgery

Author: Xiao Peng, Hainan Hospital, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Reviewer: Yao Liqun, deputy chief physician, Hainan Hospital, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The operating room of a hospital is a place where life and hope intertwine, and it is also the stage where anesthesiologists perform their "magic" to pave a painless path for patients. However, in this "battle" without gunpowder, in addition to the challenges brought by the surgery itself, the nausea and vomiting that may occur after anesthesia surgery often become a "small episode" on the patient's road to recovery. Today, we will lead you to understand how to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting after anesthesia surgery, so that patients can regain comfort and tranquility after surgery.

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1. Anesthesia: The starting point of the pain-free journey

When we talk about anesthesia, most people first think of the painless experience it brings. Indeed, as an important tool in modern medicine, anesthetics can effectively block the transmission of pain signals and keep patients calm and peaceful during surgery. However, any drug has adverse reactions, and anesthetics are no exception. In addition to temporary loss of consciousness and muscle relaxation, nausea and vomiting are also common adverse reactions after anesthesia surgery.

2. Nausea and vomiting: the "uninvited guest" after anesthesia surgery

Why does nausea and vomiting occur after anesthesia surgery? The reasons behind this are actually quite complicated. First of all, we must understand that anesthetics are complex compounds. They not only act on the nervous system, but also have effects on other systems of the body, especially the gastrointestinal tract. During surgery, due to the effect of anesthetics, the movement of the stomach and intestines may slow down, causing food and gas to accumulate in the stomach, which in turn causes discomfort, including nausea and vomiting. In addition, factors such as the type and duration of surgery, the patient's age, gender, and whether there is a history of smoking will also affect the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

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3. Solution: Dual strategy of prevention and treatment

We are not helpless in the face of nausea and vomiting after anesthesia surgery. On the contrary, modern medicine has developed a series of effective prevention and treatment measures to help patients get through this uncomfortable time.

1. Prevention: Be prepared for a rainy day and take precautions before it happens

(1) Drug prevention: At present, the drugs commonly used in clinical practice to prevent nausea and vomiting after anesthesia surgery include 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, benzamides, neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists, M cholinergic receptor antagonists, antihistamines and dopamine-D2 receptor antagonists. Doctors will prescribe appropriate preventive drugs after comprehensively considering factors such as the type of surgery, patient age and gender.

(2) Non-drug prevention: In addition to drug prevention, some non-drug methods can also play a certain preventive role. For example, maintaining a good attitude before surgery and avoiding excessive tension; adopting the correct posture after surgery, such as raising the head to reduce the reflux of gastric contents; taking deep breaths and using relaxation techniques, etc., can all help prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting.

2. Treatment: Treat the symptoms and relieve discomfort

If you experience nausea and vomiting after anesthesia surgery, you don't have to worry too much. The doctor will take appropriate treatment measures to relieve your discomfort based on the patient's specific situation.

(1) Drug treatment: For patients with mild symptoms, doctors may prescribe some antiemetic drugs for treatment. These drugs usually take effect quickly and help patients relieve symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

(2) Non-drug treatment: In addition to drug treatment, there are some non-drug methods that can also play a good role in alleviating symptoms. For example, aromatherapy can be used to relieve stomach discomfort; traditional Chinese medicine therapies such as acupoint application can be used to promote the circulation of qi and blood throughout the body and regulate the function of internal organs, so that they can be restored to a state of balance and coordination between yin and yang; and appropriate physical activities, such as walking, can be performed to promote gastrointestinal motility and gas discharge.

Although nausea and vomiting after anesthesia surgery is a common adverse reaction, it is not an insurmountable problem. We can regard this "episode" as a small obstacle on the road to postoperative recovery. Through scientific prevention and treatment measures, we are fully capable of resolving it and allowing patients to regain health and a comfortable life more quickly.