PONV: What It Is and How to Stop It After Surgery
Feeling sick after an operation is more common than you think. Doctors call it PONV – short for postoperative nausea and vomiting. If you’ve ever felt queasy in the recovery room, you know how uncomfortable it can be. The good news? There are practical steps you can take to lower the risk.
Why PONV Happens
PONV isn’t magic; it’s a mix of anesthesia, pain meds, and your body’s reaction to surgery. Certain drugs like opioids or inhaled anesthetics irritate the stomach lining and trigger the brain’s nausea center. Age, gender, and having had PONV before also raise the odds. Even the type of surgery matters – abdominal and ear‑nose‑throat procedures top the list.
Understanding these triggers helps you talk to your surgeon or anesthesiologist about personalized plans. If they know you’re at high risk, they can choose milder meds or add anti‑nausea drugs ahead of time.
Practical Ways to Prevent and Treat PONV
Start the day before surgery by staying hydrated but avoid heavy meals right before anesthesia. Light snacks like toast or crackers keep your stomach settled without overloading it.
Ask about anti‑emetic options such as ondansetron, dexamethasone, or scopolamine patches. These are often given before the operation and can cut nausea by half.
After you wake up, move slowly. Sitting up too fast can worsen stomach upset. Sip clear fluids – water, ginger tea, or an electrolyte drink – rather than gulping down a big glass.
If nausea hits, try small sips of cold liquids, chewing gum, or sucking on a lozenge. Some people find that fresh peppermint or a few breaths of cool air help settle the stomach.
Talk to your doctor about pain control too. Non‑opioid options like acetaminophen or regional blocks reduce the need for narcotics, which are a big PONV trigger.
Finally, keep a symptom diary. Write down when nausea starts, what you ate, and any meds you took. This record helps your care team fine‑tune future plans and can prevent repeated episodes.
Bottom line: PONV is common but not inevitable. By staying hydrated, choosing the right meds, moving carefully after surgery, and using simple home tricks, you can keep nausea at bay and focus on recovery instead of feeling queasy.
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